MESSI BEAUCOUP
Argentina must show some bottle to beat the French as Leo will now be unleashed to keep his dream alive FRANCE v ARGENTINA LAST 16 IN KAZAN, TODAY, KO 3PM BBC 1
ARGENTINA are ready to set Lionel Messi free.
Barcelona’s brilliant No.10 finally broke his shackles at the World Cup to score a sensational goal in the vital 2-1 group win over Nigeria. But he has never scored in the knockout stages, so boss Jorge Sampaoli has devised a
gameplan for today’s clash with France that will enable Messi to end that barren run of 666 minutes.
Sampaoli said: “I am sure France has a plan to neutralise Leo – but we have our own plan to make his life easier. Let’s see which plan works the best.
“We have the best player on earth but we also have other players who can impose themselves. “And that will help Leo. “He is completely committed to the team – and you see that first and foremost on the pitch.
“Leo has a clear vision of football and shows us things that only a true genius can show.
“It can be very tough to be at his level. But he is a shining light for us all, and we must try to play as close to his level as we possibly can.
“Some players know how Leo plays because of experience, for others it will take more time.
“France will have success only if we aren’t careful with the ball.”