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Sampaoli defends Messi and begs for forgiveness

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli defended Lionel Messi and begged fans for forgiveness after their World Cup hopes were dealt a huge blow by Croatia on Thursday.

La Albiceleste were beaten 3-0 and now have to win their final group game and hope results elsewhere go in their favour if they are to make it to the last 16.

Messi had a tough game but Sampaoli took responsibility for the result and explained why it was so difficult for the Barcelona ace.

“He is our captain, he leads the team and we quite simply couldn’t pass to him to help him generate the situations he is used to.