Mascherano: No rift between Argentina players and Sampaoli

With Argentina sitting precariously in last place in Group D, reports from within the country began swirling that the players had frozen out manager Jorge Sampaoli ahead of the decisive final match against Nigeria.

According to veteran midfielder Javier Mascherano, all of it was nothing more than fabrication, though he did suggest that Sampaoli consulted the camp about how it should prepare for the final match.

"We talked about football to help us. The best technicians ask the players for advice too because we decide on the field," Mascherano said at a press conference Sunday, courtesy of the BBC.

"The relationship with Sampaoli is totally normal, but if we feel uncomfortable, we will raise it. Otherwise we would be hypocrites. The opposite would be to harm the team, we must seek the collective benefit - we have 23 in the squad."

Related: Sampaoli takes 'total responsibility' for Argentina's latest letdown

Following Thursday's heavy 3-0 loss against Croatia, striker Sergio Aguero appeared to hint at frustration toward Sampaoli. After being informed by a TyC Sports reporter that Sampaoli said the players had failed to adapt to his system, Aguero looked caught off guard before responding "Let him say what he wants" and quickly ending the interview.

In order to ensure progression to the round of 16, Argentina, who can no longer top the group, will need to defeat Nigeria on Tuesday and hope Iceland fails to defeat Croatia. If Croatia does, however, fall to the Nordic side, Argentina can still progress provided it finishes with a higher goal difference than Iceland.