5 Attacking players that could be important for Argentina if Messi retires

#2 Mauro Icardi

Argies will be hoping Icardi is more Batistuta than Higuain

Argentina has had many big-name strikers over the years. However, the last striker who was truly great for the national team would be Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo. Since these two retired, the national team has been populated by strikers who are world class for their clubs but absolute pants for La Albiceleste (Higuain, Tevez, Aguero et al).

The nation will be hoping that Icardi goes down the Batigol route rather than the Higuain route. The 25-year-old was a shock omission from the 23-man team Sampaoli took to Russia 2018. He was dropped despite finishing as Serie A's joint-capocannoniere last season with Lazio's Ciro Immobile (both with 29 goals).

Scaloni has quickly moved to integrate the Inter Milan captain into his new-look Argentine team. Icardi scored his first goal for his country in last month's 2-0 friendly win over Mexico.

His finishing is world-class as is his technique, hold-up play, and work rate. With players like Dybala, Martinez, De Paul playing off him, Icardi could be the latest great number 9 in a long line for Argentina.