‘We suffer when Messi doesn’t feel secure’

Lionel Scaloni has been witness to many of Lionel Messi's magical moments over the course of his career but the Argentina manager said on Tuesday that even at the age of 37 his captain continues to amaze him.

Messi, who was making just his second international appearance since recovering from an injury sustained at the Copa America in July, scored his 10th international hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia 6-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

The record eight-times Ballon d'Or winner said after the game he would keep playing as long as he can perform the way he wants and Scaloni hoped he would be on the pitch for years to come.

"It never ceases to amaze," Scaloni told reporters. "At one point I sit down with (assistant coach) Pablo Aimar and tell him that this is wonderful.

"To be able to be on the bench and see the things he does? The team is with him and what I ask him to do is to play as long as he can."

Despite missing a few players through injury and suspension, Scaloni said he could not be more proud of his squad.

Goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez was suspended for two matches by FIFA for offensive behaviour in September and missed qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.

"The big players know that if they give the chance to play to a kid who comes from behind they could lose their place," Scaloni said. "That breath of fresh air generates a lot for us. The boys are behaving in an exemplary manner."

Did Argentina’s estranged coach Jorge Sampaoli ask captain Lionel Messi whether to bring on Sergio Aguero during the must-win match against Nigeria?

Argentine news outlet TYC Sports filmed Sampaoli speaking with Messi prior to Aguero's substitution, with the Barcelona superstar nodding his head in response to a question, believed to be "Lo pongo el Kun?" In English, that loosely translates to "Shall I put on Kun?"

The alleged incident, compounded by pre-match talk of a mutiny in the Argentina camp, occurred after Messi walked straight past his manager when approaching the bench to talk to other members of his coaching staff while the score was 1-1.

Sampaoli had made a flurry of changes during the match against Croatia, throwing in Paulo Dybala and Christian Pavon to get back into the game. However, his three-at-the-back formation limited Argentina’s attacking potential and Croatia controlled the game in midfield.

Sampaoli responded with five changes and a third formation in as many games – a selection that hinted at player power or darts being thrown at a team-sheet in the dressing room as opposed to punches. Ever Banega was the most notable change in the lineup as his inclusion meant that Messi saw a lot more of the ball. Argentina’s opening goal also came after Banega’s defence splitting pass found Messi, who then showed clinical precision and control to find the net.

During the Nigeria match, Sampaoli introduced Maximiliano Meza and Pavon but nothing good came off it. With time running out, Aguero was introduced in the end as Argentina frantically searched for a goal.

Six minutes later, Marcos Rojo then scored a dramatic late winner that rescued his country from a humiliating group-stage exit.

Javier Mascherano had admitted that senior players went to to AFA officials on Friday night to discuss issues about tactics after Sampaoli’s switch to a three-man defence against Croatia backfired spectacularly. Whether Sampaoli is handing over coaching duties to Messi or not, Argentina still have a lot to consider if they want to replicate their first half performance against Nigeria and ensure they do not descend into chaos the way they did in the second half against the Super Eagles.

Argentina World Cup captain Lionel Messi and his national side teammates had apparently told coach Jorge Sampaoli after the Croatian match that they no longer trusted the now sacked manager, according to a new book.

Mundial es Historias, a new book from Argentinean journalist Ariel Senosian soon to be released, claimed that a row erupted after they were defeated 3-0 by Croatia in the group stages.

 “We do not get what you say. We no longer trust you. We want to have an opinion.” One of the players of the Albiceleste was quoted in the book as saying.

The players demanded that they get to have a say on everything to do with the team. Sampaoli then snapped back asking: “So you are going to put the team together, direct in training, everything?”

 “You have asked me ten times which players I wanted in the line-up and which I didn’t, and I never gave you a single name. Tell me, in front of everyone, if I ever gave you any names.” Messi had asked.

After the row, Sampaoli was seen asking Messi, if he should bring on Sergio Agüero during the Nigeria match, which they won 2-1 thanks to a late Marcos Rojo goal to qualify for the knockout stages.

Lionel Messi's goal of winning the MLS Cup title came to an abrupt end on Saturday with his Inter Miami suffering a shock first-round elimination from the playoffs after a 3-2 home defeat to Atlanta United.

Miami had won the regular season campaign with a record points total but after losing twice in the best-of-three series, the MLS Cup favourites and their eight-times Ballon d'Or winner are out.

All the accolades Miami received for their regular season 'Supporters' Shield' triumph count for little after an Atlanta team which finished ninth in the Eastern Conference pulled off a stunning upset.

Inter took the lead in the 17th minute when Messi was denied by a diving save from Atlanta keeper Brad Guzan but Matias Rojas followed in to slot home the loose ball.

Just two minutes later though the visitors levelled when a deflected pass from Dax McCarty fell to Jamal Thiare who confidently fired home with a sweet strike.

Miami were stunned when moments later Thiare struck again -- the 37-year-old McCarty lifted the ball forward to Russian Aleksei Miranchuk who slipped the ball inside to the Senegalese striker who blasted home to make it 2-1.

Diego Gomez thought he had brought Miami level in the 23rd minute but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The 40-year-old former USA and Aston Villa keeper Guzan was in inspired form as he frustrated Miami's search for an equalizer.

It was Messi who finally broke through in the 65th minute, meeting a Marcelo Weigandt cross from the right with a thundering header.

Miami pushed forward in search of the winner but instead they were caught out once again with Pedro Amador's cross from the left headed home at the back post by Polish midfielder Bartosz Slisz.

Atlanta will now face Orlando in the Eastern Conference semi-finals with New York Red Bulls and New York City clashing in the other conference semi.

Despite being at the twilight of their illustrious careers, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to be prominent figures as FIFA on Friday announced the nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards for 2024.

Messi is shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men's Player award -- a title he has won a record three times -- for having led Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters' Shield and winning the Copa América with Argentina. This marks his eighth consecutive nomination, making the eight-time Balon d'Or-winner the only player to feature every year since 2016.

Other nominees include Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe and recent Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, missed the shortlist for the third year running but the five-time Balon d'Or-winner is one of the 77 players nominated for The Best FIFA Men's 11 of 2024, joining Messi among 22 forwards competing for a spot.

For the first time, fans share equal voting power with coaches, captains, and media for major awards, including selecting The Best FIFA Men's 11. Voting is open until December 10 this year on FIFA.com.