Nigeria vs Argentina: Messi on a mission as La Albiceleste train with renewed hope

Lionel Messi and Argentina hit the training ground on Saturday with renewed

hope of qualifying for the World Cup last 16 .

Argentina were on the brink of elimination after a humiliating 3- 0 loss to Croatia ,

but Nigeria’ s 2- 0 win over Iceland on Friday offered the two - time world

champions a lifeline .

Victory over Nigeria in their final Group D match in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday

would send Argentina through as runners - up if group leaders Croatia avoid defeat

against Iceland.

Gabriel Mercado , Nicolas

Otamendi and midfielder Lucas

Biglia trained separately from

the rest of the squad in the gym

as they recover from minor

knocks .

Defensive pair Mercado and

Otamendi suffered ankle

injuries in the loss to Croatia

but are expected to be fit to

face Nigeria .

Coach Jorge Sampaoli was roundly criticised for his approach against Croatia ,

sparking rumours the 58 - year - old would be sacked during the tournament.

It had been suggested that 1986 World Cup winner Jorge Burruchaga , the team ’ s

technical director , would replace Sampaoli , but the claims were strongly denied by

the Argentina Football Association (AFA ).

Messi was kept quiet as Argentina suffered their heaviest first round group stage

defeat since 1958 , but the Barcelona forward could yet have his say at what is

likely his fourth and final World Cup.

Goalkeeper Willy Caballero could be dropped following his mistake for the opening

goal against Croatia , with River Plate ’ s Franco Armani possibly in line to make his

international debut .