Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli hits back at critics

Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli has hit back at his critics and rubbished the notion that Lionel Messi has more influence in the dressing room than he does.

The former Sevilla boss was ridiculed when touchline footage from his side's 2-1 win over Nigeria appeared to show him seeking Messi's permission to make a substitution.

Sampaoli's critics took this as confirmation that Messi is actually calling the shots in the Argentina camp amid rumours of a dressing-room revolt, but the 58-year-old has insisted that this is not the case.

"I remember that conversation with Leo very well, but everything I mention to my players is personal and I won't make it public, The Mirror quotes him as saying. "It was a simple exchange. It wasn't how it's been characterised.

"I was saying to him we would be using some of the strategies we had spoken about to have more attacking players on the pitch. That is all.

"Will I continue as coach? Well I have a contract and I am quite happy to be here. As long as I can fight to be here, I will fight every day."

Argentina have been drawn against France in the last 16 of the World Cup.