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Jorge Sampaoli: 'Lionel Messi can carry Argentina at 2018 World Cup'

Sampaoli: 'Messi can carry Argentina'
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Argentina forward Lionel Messi can "carry the team on his shoulders" at this year's World Cup in Russia, according to manager Jorge Sampaoli.

Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli has claimed that Lionel Messi can "carry the team on his shoulders" at this year's World Cup in Russia.

The Barcelona talisman has won multiple trophies with his club side but has not been able to deliver silverware for the Albiceleste beyond an Under-20s World Cup and an Olympic gold medal.

Messi was named the best player of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but Argentina were beaten in the final by Germany.

Meanwhile, Chile ran out winners in the finals of both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments at the expense of the 1978 and 1986 world champions.

"This is going to be his team," Sampaoli told BBC Sport before his side's friendly against Italy on Friday.

"Messi is the best of all and is in a stage of maturity that can he can carry the team on his shoulders. It is more his team than mine."

The 30-year-old scored a hat-trick in Argentina's final qualifying game against Ecuador to secure his nation's place in Russia.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
3Real Madrid1283125111427
4Villarreal127322319424
5GironaGirona146352018221
6Mallorca146351312121
7Osasuna136341720-321
8Athletic Bilbao135531913620
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad135351110118
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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