Argentine press yesterday hailed the "good partnership" between Juan Roman Riquelme and Lionel Messi while saying its national soccer team "didn't have a good time" during the match against Cote d'Ivoire in the Beijing Olympic Games.

Sports daily Ole headlined "Battle of Gold" in reference to the nickname of forward Lautaro Acosta who entered the game in the second half for the 2-1 victory.

Other sports daily Clarin, said "the national team win it with a warning (..) the tie seemed sealed, but the smartness took place. It was a second when Messi proved that he was so necessary in Beijing."

Meanwhile, La Nacion said "Riquelme and Messi understood each other and Argentine debuted with a smile."

"With suffer, with intermittences, but very congratulated. The defense for the gold began with a success in the National stadium of this city," La Nacion said.

Local TV channel TyC Sports said "Argentina found the final triumph and killed any doubts."

With the victory, Argentina led Group A, followed by Australia (1), Serbia (1) and Cote d'Ivoire (0).

Argentina will play against Australia on Sunday.