Lionel Messi spoke to Argentina’s players in dressing room

Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi spoke to his team-mates at half-time during their 6-1 defeat to Spain. Messi missed the match due to a hamstring injury but watched the game in the stands at the Wanda Metropolitano. Spain were 2-1 ahead by the break following goals from Diego Costa and Isco when Messi decided to have talk with Argentina players. ‘He accompanied the group all of the time, he accompanied us in the dressing room,’ said Sampaoli. ‘Obviously we feel his absence, but above all, I want to highlight the closeness of him staying with us, to stimulate the team at half-time. ‘Leo has been supporting all the time, trying to encourage the new guys, which makes him really involved with the Argentine shirt, which is an added value,’ Sampaoli added.

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