Argentina ‘tried everything’ to make Messi click: Sampaoli

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli claimed that Argentina tried every tactics possible to get Lionel Messi firing but unfortunately it did not work out as the Albiceleste’s World Cup dream came to an end after being handed a 4-3 defeat by France.

Messi’s performance had been disappointing throughout the tournament. Messi, who failed to score a penalty against Iceland in Albiceleste’s opening game of the World Cup had also put in underwhelming performance against Croatia as they were handed a humiliating 3-0 defeat by the Croats in the group stage. The little magician just managed to score one goal in Albiceleste’s 2-1 victory against Nigeria in this World Cup and although he provided two assists against the Les Bleus in the second round, it was not enough to see Argentina through to the Quarter Final.

Messi was deployed in a false nine role against France in the second round, but was largely contained by Les Bleus as they came out on top in a 4-3 epic .

According to a report from Goal.com, Sampaoli, who is set to face more uncomfortable questions on the back of a frustrating exit, told reporters on his efforts to get Messi firing: “We have the best player in the world and we had to try to create collective situations to really use that player who can have many brilliant moments.

“We tried many different tactics — surround him, create space for him ... we tried to use everything we had to allow him to do what he can do.

“Sometimes we managed it, sometimes we didn’t.”

While Sampaoli failed to find Messi’s spark, he does not consider his time at the helm to have been a letdown.

“I don't like the word failure, but it's very frustrating because in every training I try to develop an identity for my team.

“I don't think there were many differences in the development of the game between the teams. They went for counters and we went for possession.

“I think Argentina really fought, France scored three in the second half, but we fought and had opportunities and almost equalised.

“It's not ideal and I'd have maybe preferred them to work differently, but that’s the way it is.

“Maybe the reason [for a lack of cohesion] is because we didn't have so much time, but I'm convinced Argentinian football has very good players and very good young players and we must work with them to be one of the best again.” Sampaoli concluded.