Bronnitsy: Around 400 eager fans turned out at Argentina’s World Cup base camp as head coach Jorge Sampaoli led his boys to their first open training session here, Monday. Argentina will play their campaign opener against Iceland, June 16.
A particularly affectionate welcome was reserved for the Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, as hordes of adoring young supporters chanted ‘Messi, Messi’ as the player made his way out for a training session. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was mobbed by dozens of youngsters at the end of the session as players stopped to sign autographs.
In spite of all the love and adulation, Messi has already indicated that his international future hinges on the way Argentina perform at Russia. “My international future will depend on how we perform in the current World Cup,” Messi has been quoted by saying in a Spanish daily. Indirectly, he has conveyed, that if Argentina fail to win the Cup this time around, he may call time on his international career.
Messi and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero had a light training session while Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi was seen sweating it out with others. Juventus forward Paulo Dybala also had a light training session.
The worry for Sampoli, however, is the physical state of midfielder Ever Banega, who is carrying a calf injury. He trained alone under the supervision of Argentina physical trainer Jorge Desio. There was also no information available regarding the fitness level of the player. Argentina have already suffered a huge blow with midfielder Manuel Lanzini ruled out with a serious knee injury.
