2018 World Cup: 4 players who can lead Argentina to glory

Argentina have won the World Cup twice - in 1978 and 1986. They also hold the record for the most number of Copa America wins - a record 13 times. They have always been a formidable side to beat in the World Cup.

Argentina were denied their 3rd World Cup victory in 2014, due to Mario Gotze's extra-time goal in the final. This defeat was quite frustrating for them, having performed extremely well in the World Cup.

Argentina are one of the top contenders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Let us look at the 4 players who can lead Argentina to glory in the World Cup.

#4 Javier Mascherano

Argentina v Haiti - International Friendly

Javier Mascherano is frequently deployed in a central defensive midfield role, having played throughout the 2014 World Cup in the same role. Being a shrewd tactician, Mascherano has the ability to anticipate the opposing attackers' mindsets.

He has got excellent leadership qualities as well. Mascherano has represented Argentina in 143 matches. His experience and leadership qualities will be crucial for the team's success in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Jorge Sampaoli will hope that Mascherano will stand like a rock in front of Argentina's defence and lead them to glory.

#3 Angel Di Maria

Argentina v Haiti - International Friendly

Di Maria is a very talented player and one of the best wingers in the world. Blessed with tremendous pace, Di Maria also has the vision to play the perfect ball for his attackers to score.

He also has the ability to shoot from distance, is extremely hard-working and capable of providing the perfect cross into the box. Di Maria is mostly deployed in the wings when he is playing for Argentina. He has made 93 appearances and scored 19 goals for them. He will be responsible for providing the perfect balls for Aguero and co. to score from.

He will also have to link-up with Lionel Messi in order to split the opposing team's defence. Di Maria's performances will be crucial for Argentina's success in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#2 Sergio Aguero

FBL-FRIENDLY-ARG-HAI

Sergio Aguero is a prolific goal-scorer, extremely hard-working and a shrewd campaigner. His work-rate is high and he has a never-ending hunger to score goals. Being deployed as a central striker, Aguero is good at pressing the opposition's defence.

He is a world-class striker capable of shooting from outside the penalty area as well. Having all the qualities of a talented poacher, Aguero is always on the lookout for perfect crosses into the box. Aguero has scored 37 goals in 85 appearances for Argentina. They will hope that he can remain fit for the entire duration of the tournament and score a lot of goals for them.

Aguero's form will determine how far Argentina progress in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#1 Lionel Messi

FBL-FRIENDLY-ARG-HAI

Lionel Messi is probably the best player in the world right now. He has got magical feet, tremendous pace and the ability to shoot precisely from long distance. Due to his short stature and low centre of gravity, Messi can turn faster than any other player and leave defenders in his wake.

He is also one of the best free-kick takers in the world. However, the one trophy which has eluded Lionel Messi so far is the World Cup. Messi has the ability to rip apart the opposing defences single-handedly. Being the X-factor for Argentina, the Barcelona attacker will be expected to score goals as well as create chances for his teammates.

The hope of an entire nation rests on his shoulders and the onus is on Messi to deliver them the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Who do you think is Argentina's most valuable player? Have your say in the comments section below.