Jorge Sampaoli reckons Lionel Messi is not being treated fairly by Argentina supporters as the team chase glory at the World Cup.
Messi has come under scrutiny after missing a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Iceland but Sampaoli thinks he’s under too much pressure. “Leo shouldn’t shoulder all the responsibility. We’re talking about a World Cup that involves millions of people. We can all miss a penalty. We have an entire squad here and we need to bind ourselves together through good and bad,” he said. ”It’s what I always say: when you score in the Argentina shirt, we all take credit, but when Argentina lose, it’s all Leo’s fault. I think that’s quite unfair treatment.
”It’s a lot of pressure for a single player to bear so I have to say I also feel responsible for missing that penalty and I’ll celebrate Leo’s goals like any other Argentine. ”He is the best player in the world and clearly it is impossible that a single player changes the situation of a match completely. He can’t be held responsible for a defeat.” The Barcelona star has the chance to put things right on Thursday against Croatia where a win for the Albiceleste would give their World Cup hopes a big boost.