The national coach has one of the most astute tactical minds around, and he must use it in order to get the best out of his inspirational captain
Jorge Sampaoli’s first training session as Argentina coach must have brought a sense of deja vu for Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste captain has been involved in international football just short of 12 years, and Sampaoli is the eighth coach to take the reins in that brief period. Jose Pekerman, Alfio Basile, Diego Maradona, Sergio Batista, Alejandro Sabella, Gerardo Martino and, most recently, Edgardo Bauza have all attempted to bring the glory days back to the nation, holding the distinct advantage of having the best player on the planet within their ranks.