Argentina Coach Reconfirms : Messi Will Be Absent Vs Nigeria, I've Not Thought About Starting XI

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli has confirmed again that Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will not be involved when his side tackle Nigeria in their last game of 2017.

He made the disclosure in the wake of Argentina's 1-0 win over Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow on Saturday afternoon, and added that he has not yet thought about the players that will start against the three-time African champions on November 14.

''I did not think about the composition for the match with Nigeria,'' Sampaoli said, according to championat.com.

''It is necessary to look at the physical characteristics of each player after the match. But Leo Messi will be absent. Those who did not play today will leave for Krasnodar.

''We have few matches before the mundial and need to add sparks to our game.''

Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel is expected to return to the starting line-up for for Tuesday’s prestige friendly in Krasnodar.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : twitter.com/Pee4Pius