Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli has admitted he will attempt to work on Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala's on-field relationship ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
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Many questioned Sampaoli's decision to leave Dybala on the bench in some of the Albiceleste's important World Cup qualifiers, with the Juventus forward considered to be one of the best young forwards in world football.
Sampaoli has hinted that the pair's similarities in playing style means they struggle to play together, but he has now insisted he will work hard at getting their partnership to work.
"In January, we will begin to work on the relationship on the pitch between Dybala and Messi," he said, according to Calciomercato.
"Paulo can also play as a No. 9, I am certain that they will do great things together."
The manager also revealed why he has not been selecting Dybala's club teammate Gonzalo Higuain of late.
"Higuain is not of use to me in the short term, not because of a lack in his ability but because there is too much pressure on him from certain fans, but in the long term he will be evaluated on his performances, like any other player," he added.
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Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-1 win over Ecuador in their final qualifier to help the Albiceleste secure their ticket to Russia 2018.
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