Argentina Clarify Why Sampaoli Spoke To Messi Before Bringing On Aguero Against Nigeria

Published: June 28, 2018

An Argentina National Team coaching staff has dismissed speculation in the media that manager Jorge Sampaoli consulted Barcelona striker Lionel Messi before bringing on Sergio Aguero in the 80th minute of their 2-1 win over Nigeria on Tuesday evening.

There had been suggestions that there was a mutiny in the Argentina team before their crucial Group D fixture against the Super Eagles, with speculation that the senior players, including Messi, would pick the starting eleven and the tactics.

It has come to light that the discussion that took place between Sampaoli and Messi in the closing minutes at the Saint Petersburg Stadium was only a tactical one and not permission to introduce the Manchester City striker.

''Sampaoli's dialogue was to clarify a tactical question to the captain of the team. When Agüero enters the field, the composition of Argentina's attack changes, Leo changed his position,''an Argentina coaching staff told Ole.

Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuaín were the two players leading the frontline for Argentina before the introduction of Aguero, but the Barcelona striker played as a number ten after the City star came on.

The two-time world champions face France in the round of sixteen on Saturday afternoon, starting from 1500 hours at the Kazan' Arena.

Igho Kingsley