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Argentina team news: Lionel Messi revelation as manager makes tough decision
LIONEL MESSI is set for a surprise new role in the Argentina XI for today’s World Cup clash with France.
The latest Argentina team news indicates that Messi is set to start for Jorge Sampaoli today.
Argentina are looking to go one better than their last World Cup campaign, when they reached the final in Brazil.
FRANCE vs ARGENTINA: FOLLOW LIONEL MESSI IN WORLD CUP ACTION!
And Messi, who was crowned the player of the tournament at Brazil 2014, is due to keep his place in the side today.
However, the Barcelona superstar is set to be given a new role in the side as Jorge Sampaoli desperately seeks to find a winning formula.
Argentina have flattered to deceive at the World Cup in Russia this summer and Messi boasts just one goal for the tournament so far.
It is understood Messi could either play behind two main strikers in Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero - or start up front on his own.
Lionel Messi proved for his club side this season that he can play as part of a forward pair, alongside Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
But that dynamic with Higuain has failed and Sampaoli will make changes for the France game, which kicks off at 3pm.
Aguero or Paulo Dybala could therefore start, with Messi given a free role to show off his talents in Kazan.
Or, all three strikers may be dropped all together, leaving Messi to lead the line on his own.
Sampaoli has challenged the Messi's Argentina team-mates to step up to his level.
"Leo has such clear vision when it comes to football that he allows us to see things that, sometimes, only a true genius sees," said Sampaoli.
"It's often difficult to be at the level of such a great player.
“He's a shining light for us all and we have to do our very best to all try to be at his level."