Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli has spoken out for the first time since leaving the national team and insisted Lionel Messi can win the 2022 World Cup at the age of 35.
Messi's fourth World Cup ended prematurely in Russia this summer after the Albiceleste crashed out in the last-16 at the hands of France. But Sampaoli, who was subsequently sacked at the end of the tournament, still believes the Barcelona captain has what it takes to claim the final glory in Qatar as long as Argentina respect the "process".
Messi lingers on the pitch after the round of 16 match between France and Argentina during 2018 World Cup at the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, June 30, 2018. /VCG Photo
"Of course Messi could [win the title in Qatar]. But that needs a process, after everything that has happened up to now. Processes should not be broken, they should be corrected," Sampaoli told Spanish media outlet Marca in an exclusive interview.
"For the next World Cup or Copa America you need organisation, unlimited confidence and knowing that everything requires a process. If you don't win the Copa America, you have to keep the process, not break it."
"Enough of this madness that if you do not win, you are a loser. It's not like that, if you believe, you can win even later. But you have to believe."
Sampaoli also revealed the early exit in Russia dealt a heavy blow to Messi, who was under enormous amount of pressure that rests on his shoulders to deliver at the World Cup.
"The best player in history was very committed. Leo suffered like none other and it hurt him as if he had not been able to succeed in a group," said Sampaoli.
"Having the best in the world in your team forces you to a maximum demand and the rest must be at his height. But sometimes you can, and sometimes you cannot. In that fight we were every day.
"Having Leo forces you to have no margin for error when it comes to winning." he added.
Sampaoli was dismissed at the end of the World Cup in Russia after a tumultuous campaign with rumors of spats and revolt from players. /VCG Photo
When asked about Messi's decision to take an indefinite break from the national team, Sampaoli said: "They are very personal decisions. Only he knows what he needs, and you have to respect it."
Sampaoli then hit out at the widespread short-termism in Argentine football as well as in the whole society.
"With those values we have not done very well lately neither as a society, nor in football. It is the hysteria of immediacy, to win by all means and that's not possible," he said.
"Projects, time, correct mistakes. I hope it happens in the future. In my time, my style was not even talked about or criticized. There was talk of wanting to win by all means, and I don't understand that.
"Is that there are changes of trainers every Sunday and to generate great changes, as well as in society, you need to respect the process. If not, everything will be very complex."
Messi finds it extremely tough to replicate his Barcelona form with his national side Argentina. /VCG Photo
"Imagine Messi, who comes from a very high stability in his club in Spain. There he manages his time and he arrives in his country, Argentina, and he has to win, however, with a very large collective hysteria. That's not possible."
"And if he does not win, he knows that criticism will come to him. So he cannot play or enjoy," Sampaoli concluded.