5 Managers who could lead Lionel Messi to World Cup glory

2. Diego Simeone

El Cholo doesn’t give a solid one, does he? Be it Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi, the former Argentine captain and all-round hard man is the perfect person for any team trying to instill the feeling of “espirit de corps” amongst its members. No one’s teams reflect the character of their manager quite like Simeone’s – hard-as-nails fighters who will give it their all for the full ninety.

After years of struggling with their identity, Simeone’s brand of no-nonsense, we-have-only-one-philosophy-and-that-is-to-win style of management may just be what Argentina require to see them through these tough times. His ability to inspire a back-against-the-wall, everyone-is-against-us mentality is rivalled only by Jose Mourinho (if at all), and even if this may not be the smart move in terms of long-term development, Argentina’s overwhelming need of the hour is a trophy – while their best player is still in his prime.

Simeone seems to have run his race with Atletico Madrid, which is something the AFA can utilise to his advantage – and if he does choose to broaden his horizons, this challenge might just bring out the best in him.

Club honours: @Estudiantes – 1 X Apertura, @River Plate – 1 x Clausura, @Atletico Madrid – 1 x La Liga, 1 x Copa del Rey, 1 x Europa League, 2 x Champions League runners-up