Sampaoli blasts Messi’s teammates for not helping the Barcelona playmaker
- Jorge Sampaoli has faulted Lionel Messi’s teammates for not doing enough to assist the Barcelona playmaker
- Strikes from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, as well as Ivan Rakitic ensured Argentina are on the verge of an early return to Buenos Aires
- The Albiceleste battle Nigeria's Super Eagles in their last Group D match on Tuesday June 26, at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Argentina’s manager, Jorge Sampaoli has faulted Lionel Messi’s teammates for not doing enough to assist the Barcelona playmaker in their 0-3 loss to Croatia’s Blazers’ on Thursday.
Strikes from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric, as well as Ivan Rakitic ensured that the two-time World Cup winners and three-time finalists, are on the verge of an early return to Buenos Aires, despite been tipped by bookmakers, to go all the way in Russia.
READ ALSO: Diego Maradona cries for Argentina after Croatia’s 3-0 bashing
Speaking moments after the game at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Sampaoli was furious as he blasted his squad members following the poor display on the night.
"We have not found the best team to accompany Messi.
“Because of the reality of the Argentina squad, it sort of clouds Leo’s brilliance.
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“Leo is limited because the team doesn’t gel with him as ideally as it should," he said.
Reacting further, the 58-year-old Sampaoli admitted that Portugal’s superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo is seen as superior to the Barcelona [playmaker because Portuguese players support the UEFA Champions’ League winner frequently, during matches.
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“Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player and he's playing well with his team. He's having some great moments. However, you can't compare.
“Ronaldo has the team to help him. Lionel Messi doesn't. I take full responsibility for this,” Sampaoli submitted.
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The Albiceleste’s next match at the ongoing 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia comes up on Tuesday June 26, at Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg when they battle Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their last Group D game.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously had reported that Argentina legend Diego Maradona was a shadow of himself after the Albiceleste were walloped 3-0 by Croatia.
According to the UK Telegraph, it was a nightmare for the former Argentina captain and 1986 World Cup winner, who excelled as a player, but could not hold back the tears after the Albiceleste were taught some football lessons by their European opponents.
Super Eagles in Russia 2018: The First Taste of Failure | Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
