Sampaoli planning to use Messi as a false nine against France
Argentina will meet France for a place in the World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli could mix things up in Saturday's World Cup round of 16 clash with France by playing Lionel Messi in a new role.
Sampaoli could decide to start the game without a natural striker, leaving Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero both on the bench.
Instead, it's been suggested he will bring in Cristian Pavon to start the game and play Barcelona star at a false nine, giving him complete freedom of movement in attack.
The Pavon-Messi partnership would add more movement to the Argentine side in general, something which they have struggled with in their three games so far.
It's a decision, though, which Sampaoli will not take until Saturday, the day of the game, after Argentina reached the knockout rounds with a late win over Nigeria.
Pavon, normally a winger, has played in a similar system at Boca Juniors, behing a striker, and is able to drift between theh lines and from left to right.
With no option but to win, and following poor performances so far, Sampaoli is ready to try a new formula to try and get the best out of Messi, who he hopes will lead the Albiceleste to the last eight.
