Lionel Messi urges Argentina coach to change starting formation

Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2014 by skysports.com

Lionel Messi is hoping Argentina start their next match against Iran on Saturday using a 4-3-3 formation.

Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella deployed his team in a 5-3-2 formation in the first half of Sunday’s game with Bosnia.

Although they led 1-0 at the break, they were far more effective as an attacking force in the second-half when they switched to 4-3-3, giving Messi and Sergio Aguero more support.

Messi scored a brilliant individual goal as the Argentines won 2-1, and the Barcelona superstar has urged Sabella to keep the more attacking formation – which they used throughout qualifying - on Saturday.

Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Bosnia

He said: "As strikers, we prefer that system as it gives us more attacking opportunities and if we don't use that system we suffer a bit.

"We as strikers favour that line-up. In the first half I was often on my own and so was Kun (Aguero) and it was very difficult, so there are things to be improved on. Lionel Messi urges Argentina coach to change starting formation

“We are Argentina and I think we have to focus on ourselves and not on who we're facing. Of course depending on the result of a game we can change to another system. But personally I think we need to look at ourselves first and not focus on the rival."

Sabella admits 4-3-3 helps his star player: "Messi is the best player in the world - it's not as though he needs a lot of support but when he receives a boost from his team-mates there is no doubt that it empowers him even more to be the best player in the world.

"I think that whatever happens in this World Cup he is among the best players in the history of football."