There have been rumours that Sampaoli has lost control of the dressing room as Messi who is the captain of the team now wields superior powers.
Jorge Sampaoli and Lionel Messi
An Argentina national team coaching staff has clarified coach Jorge Sampaoli’s dialogue with captain Lionel Messi before striker, Sergio Aguero was brought on in the game against Nigeria on Tuesday.
There was speculation in the media that manager Jorge Sampaoli consulted Messi before bringing on Aguero in the 80th minute of their 2-1 win over Nigeria.
There had been suggestions that there was a mutiny in the team of the South Americans before their crucial Group D fixture against the Super Eagles.
”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 changed, Leo changed his position,” an Argentina coaching staff told Ole.
Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuaín were the two players leading their attack before the introduction of Aguero, but the Barcelona striker played in number 10 position after the City star came on.