Dhaka, June 18 -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has joked about signing Argentina's Lionel Messi to boost Brazil's World Cup campaign, reports Radio France Internationale (RFI).

Asked by journalists on Wednesday about the national team's form following a 1-1 opening-match draw against Morocco, he laughed and said: "I was thinking about signing Messi to play for Brazil."

The comment highlights the stark contrast between the fierce rivals, with Messi having scored a hat-trick against Algeria on Tuesday, while the five-time world champions displayed several frailties in their opener.

Lula, however, downplayed the initial setback, insisting drawing with Morocco -- whom he labelled Brazil's toughest group opponents -- was no...