Jorge Sampaoli appeared to ask Argentina superstar Lionel Messi for permission for to bring on striker Sergio Aguero during his side’s dramatic win over Nigeria last night, according to the Metro.
Sampaoli has been under fire throughout the tournament after the Argentines drew with Iceland in their opening game and then suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of Croatia.
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The Argentines were on the brink of elimination last night after Victor Moses equalised from the penalty spot to cancel out Lionel Messi’s wonderful opening goal, however, Marcos Rojo scored a late winner to put them through to the last 16.
Aguero was omitted from the starting XI which could have been because a reporter relayed to Aguero that Sampaoli had suggested that the players failed to adapt to his tactics after the defeat to Nigeria prompting Aguero to reply agrily: “Let him say what he wants.”
However, in the game against Nigeria Sampaoli appeared to ask Messi: “Flea, what do I do? I put it to Kun (Aguero)?” as his side were drawing.
Messi then appears to nod and shorty after Aguero was introduced for defender Nicolas Tagliafico.
Manchester United defender Rojo then scored six months after.
However, it was the Sampaoli’s decision to consult Messi which has caused a stir with some fans.
Sampaoli asks Messi to bring on Aguero
??Messi passes a message to an official on the bench. Coach Jorge Sampaoli asks Messi “Are you bringing on Kun?” pic.twitter.com/f6G8l0GCvW
— Damian (@FootballFact101) June 27, 2018
Embarrassing ?????
— _Ben Gregory_ (@bengregs17) June 27, 2018
Messi is #ARG coach, Sampaoli is his assistant.
— Novaldio Rizki (@iam_dioo) June 27, 2018
He’s saying “Pongo al Kun?” This means “Do I bring in Kun?”
— Francesc Rossi (@Guardiolada) June 27, 2018
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli asking Lionel Messi if he should sub in Sergio Aguero. https://t.co/qTKw44ykwg
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) June 27, 2018
Sampaoli actually asked Messi if he should get Kun on the field.
During the match! pic.twitter.com/MlJAUGpwQi
— totalBarça (@totalBarca) June 27, 2018