Messi physically and mentally ready for World Cup: Sampaoli
LONDON: Lionel Messi is in a “good moment” physically and excited for the challenge of trying to help Argentina win the World Cup, according to Jorge Sampaoli. La Albiceleste are set to face Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D in Russia.
Messi was said to have arrived at the previous tournament in Brazil short of full fitness after a difficult season under Gerardo Martino at Barcelona. But the superstar has been in sparkling form this term, leaving Sampaoli optimistic upon naming his final 23-man squad on Monday.
“I’ve talked to Messi and I (found) him very excited about what’s coming, physically he’s in a good moment,” the coach said.
Messi’s fellow forward Sergio Aguero has not played for his club Manchester City since April due to a knee injury, but Sampaoli declared the 29-year-old fully fit. “He is working normally since last week,” the coach said. “(Gabriel) Mercado is not going to have any kind of (major problems). We’ll see how (Lucas) Biglia arrives (in camp).”
Argentina struggled in qualifying, and needed a Messi hattrick in their final match away to Ecuador to secure passage to Russia.
Sampaoli, though, is confident the team can impress at the tournament, and is planning to pick the players who are able to cope with the pressure of carrying the hopes of a nation on the big stage. “The World Cup has to be faced without fear, with loftiness, with presence, and those who are more convinced of their game will be closer to the starting line-up,” he said.
“One understands that these players have characteristics that serve us ... with time and the desire to play, this will be enhanced, I have great hope and, every time I see them train, the dream grows.
“For me, the objective is to enhance individual characteristics to make a great World Cup. If we dare to play, we will be a difficult opponent for anyone. I hope we can do it the way we want.”
‘MESSI DESERVES WIN’
Messi deserves to win the World Cup, former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo said. “We all want Messi to win the World Cup. He deserves it. But, to be realistic, Argentina team level is lower than Germany or Spain. Those two teams will be favourites of the tournament I suppose,” Crespo told TASS.