Lopetegui, Sampaoli looking forward to Spain-Argentina friendly

MADRID, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Julen Lopetegui insisted he was only interested in the performance of his own side as he prepares for Tuesday's friendly against Argentina in Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

"We are not thinking too much about who we will be playing. We have just played the World Champions and now we are facing the runners up from four years ago, who have an incredible player in (Leo) Messi, and who have improved a lot under (coach Jorge) Sampaoli," said the Spain coach in the wake of their 1-1 draw away to Germany on Friday.

"It should be a fantastic game and in a great stadium," he said.

Meanwhile Argentina coach Sampaoli confirmed that Messi had recovered from the groin injury which saw him miss Argentina's win over Italy on Friday.

"He trained with the squad, so he's OK to play," said Sampaoli, who admitted it was "impossible to teach Messi anything. We are in a position where he is untouchable."

Sampaoli said his task with Messi was "to learn how to accompany him," adding Messi was "open" to however he could best help his country.

He looked ahead for Tuesday's game, saying it was "forming ideas for the World Cup finals. To see what will make us work like a team," admitting that while Argentina still had work to do to decide their strongest side, "Spain have their side already consolidated ... if they are not the best side in the world, they are among the best."

However, Sampaoli promised a positive side in the Wanda, "we aim to compete against them ... the idea is to share possession, dispute the ball ... we will need to be very brave and precise," commented the Argentina coach. Enditem