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If any more pressure is heaped on Lionel Messi's shoulders, the 26-year-old will end up being even more diminutive than he is already.
In his peak years and at a World Cup on South American soil, some are expecting the four-time Ballon D'Or winner to have an impact on the tournament similar to his countryman Diego Maradona in 1986.
Of course, an individual winning a World Cup is less likely nowadays but Argentina do have a strong supporting cast in the attacking portion of a squad that is front-loaded.
Sergio Aguero needs little introduction, while Gonzalo Higuain is a proven goalscorer and Angel Di Maria provides the link from midfield in a 4-3-3 which is anchored by Javier Mascherano and Fernando Gago whose fitness may not be at optimal level after a recent knee injury.
There are question marks over the back four and goalkeeper but the Albiceleste do have the benefit of a kind draw. Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia should not pose too many problems and Argentina should make it as far as the quarter-finals at least. With the tournament close to Argentina and a plethora of attacking resources, they could go all the way as long as their deficiencies are not exposed like in 2010 against Germany.
On Team 33, we analysed Argentina with Ed Maylon of the Mirror:
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Javier Mascherano ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
World Cup Record
Appearances: 16
Best Results: Winners (1978 and 1986)
Learn about Maradona's 1994 doping shame via the Team 33 podcast
Squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andújar (Catania), Agustín Orión (Boca Juniors).
Defenders: Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernández (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), José María Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Ángel di María (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodríguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Ricardo Álvarez (Internazionale), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo), Enzo Pérez (Benfica).
Forwards: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Internazionale).
Manager: Alejandro Sabella
Fixtures and Results
Group B
June 15 vs Bosnia (Rio de Janeiro) 2- 1 (W)
June 21 vs Iran (Belo Horizonte) 1 - 0 (W)
