Jorge Sampaoli has admitted Lionel Messi is limited by the current Argentina team, with the two-time World Cup winners facing possible early elimination after a 0-3 loss to Croatia. The 1978 and 1986 champions could fail to make it out of their group in Russia having picked up just one point from their opening two games following Thursday night's defeat against the Croatians, who have progressed to the last 16.

Ante Rebic opened the scoring with a second-half volley that was set up by Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero's error before midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic added late strikes. Once again Messi, who had a penalty saved in the draw with Iceland last weekend, was largely anonymous in a tournament where his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo is leading the way to be top scorer.