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Sevilla's Jorge Sampaoli coy about where he would coach Lionel Messi

Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli says his comments about dreaming of someday coaching fellow Argentine Lionel Messi were not meant to hint that he is positioning himself to take over either Barcelona or the Argentina national team.

Last week, Sampaoli said "my dream is to be in charge of Messi to see him every day from the touchline," without specifying if he meant for club or country.

Sampaoli has been among those tipped to succeed Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, while sources told ESPN last week that the Sevilla boss is eager to take on the national team of his native Argentina should Edgardo Bauza be sacked as expected.

But with his future plans still in doubt, Sampaoli tried to downplay his earlier comments on Messi as Sevilla travel to Barcelona on Wednesday.

"Seeing Messi for me is always very nice because he's the best in the world," Sampaoli said ahead of the match. "When I said that I would coach Messi at some point, maybe I meant at Newell's [in the Argentina league], if he decides to play there at some point. Or, if he came to Sevilla, then of course.

"To watch Leo play is always enjoyable because he is without a doubt the best player in the world and the fact that he is Argentine always makes it gratifying."

Argentina have yet to officially part ways with Bauza, though their World Cup qualifying campaign is in jeopardy with four games left to play and Messi is suspended for three of them.

And Sampaoli said it was too early for him to speak about the direction of the Albiceleste.

"As I have said before, this is a subject that is in the hands of the leadership of the Argentina FA," he said. "It is up to them to correct or repair their process with the current manager, who is working for them.

"I am sure that they are looking for ways to do everything they can to qualify for the World Cup. And as a fan, I will be supporting them from my seat here."

Sampaoli has yet to accept Sevilla's offer to extend his contract for another year, with his current deal expiring in June 2018, and the club confirmed this week that in-demand sporting director Monchi will leave this summer.

"When I have a concrete talk about my future I will let you know," Sampaoli said. "This is all related to a contract that has a lot of angles. There is the concrete possibility to continue with Sevilla and that will be discussed shortly in meetings. 

"It is also possible that Sevilla modify the exit structure of Monchi and perhaps he chooses another option. And I would have the chance, via my contract, to choose the best option if I am not won over. But all of this is speculation." 

In La Liga, Barcelona remain only two points behind leaders Real Madrid, while Sampaoli's men have slipped to fourth after a run of poor form.

But Sampaoli is keeping his faith in the club's present approach and said he will look to take the game to Barcelona on Wednesday.

"It's very difficult to imagine going there and winning," the 57-year-old told Marca. "But it's also very exciting and as a group we always go into this type of game talking about where we are and why we are here."

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