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

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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 .

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