Jorge Sampaoli has denied reports that Lionel Messi is deciding Argentina’s team selection and tactics as he prepares to make a drastic change for Saturday’s clash with France.
The Albiceleste scrapped into the last 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic win over Nigeria, and Sampaoli appeared to ask Messi for permission to bring on Sergio Aguero as they sought a late winner.
There have been suggestions that Messi is even deciding how Argentina should line up, but Sampaoli is adamant he is still in charge.
Speaking about the pitch-side discussion with Messi ahead of facing France, he said the conversation was ‘not how it was characterised.’
He explained: ‘We looked at different options in an important game and had to make a decision.
‘I was simply communicating this, saying we were going to use a strategy we had rehearsed to use more attacking players. ‘It was a simple exchange I had with one of my players, that is all.’
Sampaoli says Argentina will ‘play with a knife between their teeth’ when they take on France, and he is expected to make a significant change to the side’s attacking line-up.
It is being claimed in Argentina that Messi, for the first time in the tournament, will be deployed as a false No.9, with both Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain left on the bench and Christian Pavon and Angel Di Maria playing in advance of Messi instead.
