Sampaoli's unwillingness to take risks led to Argentina's World Cup exit
In the end, it seems that Paulo Dybala was brought to Russia for the experience rather than his ability to influence a match, which could have proved vital during Argentina's loss to France.
If there's anyone who can relate, it's Lionel Messi.
As Messi was forging a reputation as one of the greatest players in the world, he could barely get a taste of the action at the 2006 World Cup.
For all the promise shown after a season when he was beginning to emerge as a first-team regular at Barcelona, there was a glaring lack of faith from former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman.
Messi was overlooked throughout the tournament, with Pekerman infamously electing to leave him on the bench in favour of Julio Cruz - who entered the World Cup with just three international goals scored, all during friendlies - as an attacking option before Argentina bowed out after a shootout loss to Germany.
The need for an attacking boost was significantly greater in Russia. Unfortunately, the result was the same.
With Argentina staring down the barrel of elimination, Jorge Sampaoli's doubt and an unwillingness to takes risks were on full display, once again, as the 55-year-old fielded his 15th different starting lineup in his 15 match at the helm of the national team.
Trailing France by a pair of goals with just over 20 minutes to play seemed like the ideal situation to introduce another creative mind capable of providing a spark in the final third.
Instead, Cristian Pavon made way for Maximiliano Meza, while Dybala, along with forward Gonzalo Higuain, wasted away on the bench as Argentina's disastrous World Cup campaign was put out of its misery in a 4-3 loss. Of the world-class attacking options at Sampaoli's disposal, few would ever consider Meza worthy of a cameo appearance.
It was a tactical disaster, and a decision that contradicted Sampaoli's comments when he urged Argentina's supporting cast to match Messi's "genius."
"It's often difficult to be at the level of such a great player," he said in his pre-match press conference Friday. "He's a shining light for us all, and we have to do our very best to all try to be at his level."
Dybala entered the competition full of confidence after playing a key role in helping Juventus capture the Serie A title. But, by the time Argentina exited the competition, Dybala wrapped up his first World Cup with the same amount of minutes played as goals scored in Serie A (22).
Given that this Argentina team is one of the most unbalanced in recent memory, it's unfair to put all the blame on Sampaoli. For all the elite-attacking talent, Argentina's defence and midfield lacked the quality needed for the South American nation to return to the World Cup final.
However, there was an obvious requirement to change the pace ahead of a match against a France squad whose manager, Didier Deschamps, has faced similar criticism. Yet, Deschamps was more than willing to hand over the reigns to Kylian Mbappe, who became the first teenager to score two goals in a match since Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.
Although the football world was deprived of getting a chance to watch one of the game's most exciting players in action, Juventus supporters can breathe a sigh of relief that Dybala will enter the 2018-19 campaign with plenty of rest.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)