Categories: Sports

Messi To Decide Our Fate–Argentina Coach

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli stated on Thursday that the chances of them at the World Cup in Russia will depend far more on Lionel Messi’s influence than his own.

Sampaoli was drafted in for Argentina’s final four matches of a faltering qualifying campaign, but it was Messi’s brilliant hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Ecuador in their final qualifier that sealed their qualification.

“This is going to be his team,” said Sampaoli, ahead of Friday’s friendly against Italy at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

“He is the best and is in a stage of maturity that he can carry the team on his shoulders. It is more his team than mine.”

For all his success at club level with Barcelona, Messi has never won a major international tournament with Argentina.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will again carry the bulk of his nation’s expectations. But at 30, this could be Messi’s final opportunity to crown his glorious career with a World Cup.

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero will not be fit to face Italy due to a hamstring injury and Sampaoli said he is also unlikely to play against Spain in Madrid on Tuesday.

“We have talked to City about Aguero. If there is a substantial improvement he could travel but I see it as difficult because of the short time left,” said Sampaoli.

Despite Aguero’s injury, Juventus forward Paulo Dybala didn’t even make it into Sampaoli’s squad with the former Sevilla coach enjoying an enviable array of prolific strikers to choose from.

Often compared to Messi for his diminutive physique and wicked left foot, Dybala has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season but has admitted he finds it difficult to play alongside Messi.

“It’s complicated for Dybala to get used to our style,” said Sampaoli, hinting that Dybala will miss out on the World Cup.

Recent Posts

Angry Northern Youths Destroy Tinubu’s Campaign Billboard (Video)

Some angry youths from the Northern parts of the country have torn down a campaign…

3 hours ago

Ex-Commissioner Allegedly Beat Up Journalist Over Land

Alhaji Tajudeen Olamide Arowolo, a former two-time Commissioner in Ekiti State, has been accused of…

7 hours ago

Nigeria’s Kemi Badenoch Elected Conservative Leader

In a historic victory, Kemi Badenoch, the British Business Secretary raised in Nigeria, has emerged…

9 hours ago

Edo Accountant-General In EFCC Custody

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended the Accountant General of Edo State,…

13 hours ago

Tributes As Fans, Colleague Mourn Kunle Afolayan Mother’s Death

Fans Share Emotional Tributes As Actor Kunle Afolayan Suffers Heartbreaking Loss Veteran Nollywood actor Kunle…

13 hours ago

Father Of Four Commits Suicide Amid Family Dispute

A 58-year-old father of four, Omolayo Bamidele, has committed suicide in Igburowo town, located in…

14 hours ago

This website uses cookies.