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Monday 5 June 2017

Lionel Messi and Argentina train in Melbourne under new coach Jorge Sampaoli


Argentina stepped up their preparations for Friday's clash with Brazil with a training session in Melbourne under new coach Jorge Sampaoli.
The two South American heavyweights clash in a friendly Down Under before Argentina take on Singapore on Tuesday June 13.
Former Sevilla and Chile boss Sampaoli was unveiled as the new Argentina manager last week following the sacking of Edgardo Bauza in April.

New coach Jorge Sampaoli oversaw the session ahead of his first match in charge on Friday
Messi and Co will take on South American rivals Brazil in a friendly in Melbourne, Australia

And the 57-year-old put his new squad through their paces on Friday as he prepares to oversee his first game since taking charge.
Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria were among those taking part as Argentina attempt to find some form ahead of the return of 2018 World Cup qualifying in August.
Sampaoli's side currently sit fifth in South American qualifying, 11 points behind leaders Brazil, having won only six of their 14 matches so far.

Messi looked in a relaxed mood during the session at La Trobe University Bundoora campus
But Argentina currently sit fifth in the South American qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup
The likes of Messi, Di Maria and Eduardo Salvio (c) are 11 points behind table leaders Brazil

Though the clash with Brazil on Friday is only a friendly, it will be a good marker for their new coach to see how they measure up against the best sides in the continent.
The Argentina boss has vowed to build his side around Messi, for whom the games represent another opportunity to gain ground in the race for this years Ballon d'Or.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo would appear to be in the driving seat following his brace in the Champions League final against Juventus. But Messi netted 54 goals in 52 appearances for Barcelona this season.


The ex-Sevilla and Chile coach was named as Edgardo Bauza's replacement last week






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