FIFA World Cup 2018: Most Important Players in Group D

Lionel Messi will have to put friendships aside as he will take on Rakitić and Croatia in a very tricky fixture which will probably determine the shape of this Group D in FIFA World Cup 2018.

Iceland and Nigeria are very well organised teams who can spring a surprise that could change the outcome of a game with a single flash of brilliance. Another exciting group to following in Russia.

Match to Watch: Argentina v Croatia (21st June, 7 PM GMT)

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#1 Argentina - Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi

Messi, arguably the best player in the world, will predictably be at the heart of every move Argentina puts together as they try to get their hands on the coveted World Cup for a third time.

He single-handedly helped Argentina qualify for the tournament in Russia, after an underwhelming qualifying campaign, by scoring a hat-trick against Ecuador in the final qualifier.

After losing in three straight finals with Argentina, Messi will be itching to add a major international trophy to his already stellar trophy cabinet, failing which he looks set to retire for the second time from the national squad.

Notable Mention: Nicolás Otamendi

#2 Iceland - Gylfi Sigurðsson

Gylfi Sigurðsson

Iceland had a stunning run in Euro 2016 finishing in the last eight. They will create history in Russia by becoming the smallest country to participate in a World Cup. Gylfi Sigurðsson is arguably Iceland's high profile player.

The Everton midfielder was Iceland's leading goal scorer in their qualifying campaign and will be providing the experience and quality needed to progress in Russia. Sigurðsson's ability to play comfortably and shoot with both his strong and weak foot, along with his dead ball skills, will probably make him the most probable goal scoring threat for Iceland in Russia.

If Sigurðsson is in top form, expect to hear the famous Viking Thunder-Clap even in the later stages of the competition.

Notable Mention: Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson

#3 Croatia - Ivan Perišić

Ivan Perišić

Croatia, always considered dark horses, have underperformed in previous World Cups and were eliminated in the group stages at World Cups in 2002, 2006 and 2014.

This crop of Croatian talents might be nearing the end of their time at the top of the game as players like Vedran Ćorluka, Luka Modrić and Mario Mandžukić go to Russia on the wrong side of 30. This might be their last chance at a World Cup together, and helping them from the left of midfield will be Ivan Perišić.

The Inter Milan winger's two-footed play-making, along with his range of passing and chance creation will be indispensable to Zlatko Dalić's men, and will be key if they are going to live up to the title of dark horses in Russia.

Notable Mention: Andrej Kramarić

#4 Nigeria - Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho

Nigeria made light work of qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2018, and were been unbeaten throughout qualification.

Gernot Rohr has inherited a mix of experienced as well as young players which allows him to play a very balanced team, utilizing the experience of skipper John Obi Mikel, whilst enjoying the unbridled and youthful attacking prowess of Iwobi and Iheanacho.

Kelechi Iheanacho hasn't had the best of debut seasons at Leicester, but he will be keen to find the back of the net in Russia, to show his worth.

He will be helped in his quest by the creative skills of Victor Moses, Ndidi and Iwobi, and he will do his best to make a difference for Nigeria.

Notable Mention: Victor Moses