Argentina Lionel Messi’s team, not mine: head coach Jorge Sampaoli

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli accepted on Thursday the two-time world champions' chances at the World Cup in Russia will depend far more on Lionel Messi than his own influence.Sampaoli was drafted in for Argentina's final four matches of a faltering qualifying campaign, but it was Messi's brilliant hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Ecuador in their final qualifier that ensured they didn't miss out on the World Cup. “This is going to be his team,” said Sampaoli, ahead of Friday's friendly against Italy at Manchester City's Etihad stadium. “He is the best and is in a stage of maturity that he can carry the team on his shoulders. It is more his team than mine.”