体坛英语资讯：Russia shouldnt be Messis last World Cup: Sampaoli

MOSCOW, June 15 -- Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said Friday that he expects Lionel Messi to play in at least one more World Cup, downplaying suggestions that the Barcelona forward could soon retire from international football.

Messi said in March that this year's World Cup in Russia, which began on Thursday, would be his generation's last chance to win a major trophy after the team's second-placings at the 2017 World Cup, 2017 Copa America and 2016 Copa America.

"I don't think this should be [Messi's] last World Cup," Sampaoli told a news conference ahead of Argentina's opening Group D fixture here between Argentina and Iceland on Saturday. "His ability and professionalism will mean that he decides when [he wants to quit]."

Messi, who turns 31 this month, is taking part in his fourth World Cup.

He retired from international football after the Albiceleste's failure in the final of the 2016 Copa America before retracting his decision less than two months later.

Sampaoli said Messi is under no extra pressure to perform in Russia and sees the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in good spirits heading into the team's first match at Spartak Stadium.

"These types of geniuses that appear every so often have different qualities," Sampaoli said. "I see him being very excited. His preparation has been good. He wants the tournament to start. A player with so much ability shouldn't have any pressure."

Meanwhile, Sampaoli revealed that Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero will start Saturday's match, with Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain to begin on the bench.

Aguero will line up just in front of Messi, with Angel Di Maria and Maximiliano Meza on either flank.

Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester United's Marcos Rojo will start in the center of defence while goalkeeper Willy Caballero has been chosen ahead of Franco Armani.

The two-time World Cup winners will deploy two holding midfielders: Lucas Biglia and Javier Mascherano.