Coach Jorge Sampaoli blast Argentina fans for blaming Messi

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli blast La Albiceleste fans for blaming Lionel Messi during their 1-1 draw against Iceland in Group D  World Cup opener against Iceland.

Barcelona talisman was furious with himself for missing a penalty in the 63rd-minute in Moscow in an inauspicious start for what may be his last chance to emulate Diego Maradona.It was a result that has renewed doubts about Argentina’s ability to mount a sustained challenge at this World Cup, four years after they reached the final in Brazil.

Sampaoli in a news conference on the eve of their next Group D game, against Croatia via Rte."When Argentina don't win, we attribute responsibility to Leo. I think that's too easy a way for Argentinians to think," "There were lots of factors of irritation for not winning against Iceland. There are 40 of us at this World Cup. The team will be togetherwhen things go well and when thingsgo badly.

"Under pressure himself after an underwhelming year in charge of Argentina despite an extraordinary array of individual talent at his disposal, Sampaoli was bombarded with questions about his controversial use of three central defenders.He insisted it gave himflexibilityto adapt against different opponents, but acknowledged Argentina needed to be more "elastic" in their play.Their next opponents Croatia comfortably dispatched Nigeria 2-0 in their first game, putting themselves in pole position to go through.

"It's going to be difficult. Croatiahavea generation of outstanding players who have just won," Sampaoli said.While much has been made of Argentina's over-dependence on their out-and-out star, who turns 31 this weekend and may well be at his last World Cup, Sampaoli saidfortunatelythe obsession with Messialsodestabilisedothers.

"When he has two or three opponents trying to block him, somewhere on the pitch a teammate is free, as happened against Iceland," he said. "We need to take advantage of that."Sampaoli also appealed to Argentines to stop arguing about whether Messi is better or worse than Maradona, who won the World Cup in 1986 and appreciate both men's contributions to their nation's sporting history."They are different.

Their contexts are different," he said, urging fans to look at the overall record of Messi, who is Argentina's all-timestopscorer. "With Leo, Argentina have only lost three or four games ... He's a national hero, as Diego was."Argentinatakeon Croatia on Thursday before their final group game against Nigeria next week.