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Argentina coach, Jorge Sampaoli has said he expects captain Lionel Messi to touch the ball more against Nigeria on Tuesday.

The South Americans are on the brink of an early exit, after picking only one point from their two matches.

Messi has failed to shine in Russia so far, as he is yet to score or provide an assist.

But Sampaoli has explained why his star player did not perform against Croatia.

“I think that [Croatia] match was complicated for Leo, he didn’t get enough balls from the midfield. Argentina didn’t dominate like we did against Iceland.

“For the good of Argentina, I’m sure Messi will touch the ball more against Nigeria,” Sampaoli told a media conference on Monday.