• Argentina's Lionel Messi. Juan Mabromata / AFP
    Argentina's Lionel Messi. Juan Mabromata / AFP
  • Argentina's forward Lionel Messi takes part in a training session at the team's base camp in Bronnitsy. Juan Mabromata / AFP
    Argentina's forward Lionel Messi takes part in a training session at the team's base camp in Bronnitsy. Juan Mabromata / AFP
  • Argentina's Lionel Messi and teammates during training. Albert Gea / Reuters
    Argentina's Lionel Messi and teammates during training. Albert Gea / Reuters
  • Lionel Messi, left, and Angel Di Maria stretch during training. Ricardo Mazalan / AP Photo
    Lionel Messi, left, and Angel Di Maria stretch during training. Ricardo Mazalan / AP Photo
  • Lionel Messi, centre, eyes the ball during training. Ricardo Mazalan / AP Photo
    Lionel Messi, centre, eyes the ball during training. Ricardo Mazalan / AP Photo
  • Franco Armani of Argentina warms up during a training session. Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
    Franco Armani of Argentina warms up during a training session. Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
  • Lucas Biglia of Argentina and teammates warm up during a training session. Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
    Lucas Biglia of Argentina and teammates warm up during a training session. Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
  • Nicolas Tagliafico of Argentina and teammates warm up during a training session at Stadium of Syroyezhkin sports school. Photo by Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
    Nicolas Tagliafico of Argentina and teammates warm up during a training session at Stadium of Syroyezhkin sports school. Photo by Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
  • Lionel Messi of Argentina and teammates warm up during a training session. Photo by Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
    Lionel Messi of Argentina and teammates warm up during a training session. Photo by Gabriel Rossi / Getty Images
  • Argentina's coach Jorge Sampaoli, left, talks to goalkeepers Nahuel Guzman, second left, Franco Armani and Wilfredo Caballero during a training session. AFP
    Argentina's coach Jorge Sampaoli, left, talks to goalkeepers Nahuel Guzman, second left, Franco Armani and Wilfredo Caballero during a training session. AFP
  • Argentinian players attend a training session. EPA / ALBERTO ESTEVEZ
    Argentinian players attend a training session. EPA / ALBERTO ESTEVEZ
  • Argentina's coach Jorge Sampaoli, left, watches his goalkeeper Franco Armani during a training session. Alberto Estevez / EPA
    Argentina's coach Jorge Sampaoli, left, watches his goalkeeper Franco Armani during a training session. Alberto Estevez / EPA

Football

Lionel Messi and Argentina train ahead of France showdown - in pictures

The double world champions are in action against 1998 winners in the second round of the World Cup of Saturday

Graham Caygill

June 29, 2018

  • English
  • Arabic

Argentina got through the knockout stages at the World Cup by the skin of their teeth as they beat Nigeria 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the last 16 of the competition in Russia.

Jorge Sampaoli's side trained on Friday as they prepare for Saturday's second-round tie with France in Kazan.

All focus was on Lionel Messi. Argentina's inspirational forward was at the centre of his side's training session as they seek to avoid an early exit from the competition, which would be their worst performance at a World Cup since 2002 if they lose on Saturday.

The game kicks off at 6pm UAE time on Saturday.

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Read more

World Cup 2018: Day 16 updates - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo prepare for second round action

World Cup 2018 second round guide and predictions: France end Argentina's hopes

John McAuley's World Cup diary: Fans in Russia have been amazing - and so has Google Translate

Extra Time podcast: Messi finally comes through as World Cup knockout stages take shape

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