Several media reports have revealed that Argentina captain and five-time world best footballer, Lionel Messi will handpick the squad of Argentina players that will feature against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Argentine football legend, Ricardo Giusti, also confirmed the shaking in the national team, saying that in a failed coup against the head coach, the players attempted to replace Sampaoli with 1986 World Cup winning midfielder Jorge Barruchaga.
The players decided to take matters into their own hands after Argentina’s shocking 3-0 loss to Croatia. He said: “The players want to build the team.They told Sampaoli and Tapia that they are going to pick the side. Sampaoli can sit on the bench if he wants, but it won’t matter. It will be nothing to do with him.”
Media reports also revealed that Sampaoli literally exchanged blows with Javier Mascherano, after Mascherano’s woeful performance against Croatia.
Sampaoli was given a stay of execution by Tapia after being summoned to the President’s room at Argentina’s base in Bronnitsy.
Though he was given the privilege of coaching the national team in the rest of the World Cup, he was assured that his appointment will be terminated after the tournament.
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