Lionel Messi has a revolver put to his head called the World Cup

Jorge Sampaoli: Lionel Messi has a revolver put to his head called the World Cup 

Jorge Sampaoli claims the pressure on Lionel Messi to win the World Cup damages the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi, 30, has appeared in three international finals – two Copa Americas and one World Cup final – and Sampaoli has had his say on the pressure Messi in a soon-to-be released book.

"Messi has a revolver put to his head called the World Cup and if he doesn't win it, he's shot and killed," Sampaoli is quoted as saying by MARCA.

"As a result, he can't enjoy his talent.

"What I find is that the negativity surrounding international football damages Messi."

Sampaoli, who became Argentina manager in May 2017, heaped praise on Messi, describing him as the best in history.

"At this moment, I feel that I'm coaching the best player in history," he added.

"This is a guy who has stayed as the best in the world for 10 years.

"It's difficult to assume a level of control when your leader knows he's better than you, he executes things like nobody else."

Messi has made 123 appearances for the Argentine national team, scoring 61 times.