World Cup 2018: 5 players who make the difference for Argentina

The World Cup is dawning upon all of us. It doesn't get any bigger than this. Players and coaches prepare during their entire careers to have a shot at the biggest stage of all, the World Cup. There is unmatched pressure on the weights of the chosen players as they represent their respective nations on the global stage. After their 2014 campaign, Argentina went on a rollercoaster ride on the road to Russia. They were beaten twice by Chile in the Copa America finals and only made it to Russia with help from the extraterrestrial Leo Messi.

"People need to know that we are not going to Russia as favourites but we have a group of very good players." - Leo Messi

The Argentine squad trains under Jorge Sampaoli

Russia may well be the last chance to redeem silverware for a majority of the current Argentine squad, especially Leo Messi, who returned from his international retirement to try his luck in the World Cup one last time. But it won't be an easy road for the Argentines, as they are clearly far from favorites to win the competition this year, although, they do have the firepower required to aim for glory.

Let's have a look at some players who can make or break the Argentine dream;

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#5 Angel di Maria

di Maria runs alongside Leo Messi in training

Unfortunately the talented forward has a habit of getting himself injured whenever his country calls. One of the most talented players of the generation, di Maria is one of the core elements of the squad. He has been a part of the senior team since long and would be traveling to Russia with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

The Paris Saint-Germain player could exploit the wings effectively, taking defenders out wide with him. As talented as he is on the ball, di Maria's off-the-ball skills make him a dangerous player, especially during counter-attacks. He has a lightning fast pace and an acceleration to match. He also possesses amazing passing qualities and can step up to provide assists to his teammates, whenever needed, and even score a couple of goals here and there.

#4 Javier Mascherano

Mascherano's last-gasp tackle on Robben sent Argentina to the final in 2014

The Little Chief would be unarguably the heart of the Argentine squad. A true leader on the pitch, Mascherano's presence of mind could take La Albiceleste all the way to the title in Russia. His last-minute tackles, intelligent passing moves and leadership would drive the men forward. Javier Mascherano has time and again proved himself as a fundamental part of the senior squad. A veteran defensive midfielder, Mascherano also shares an undying chemistry with talismanic forward Leo Messi.

Javier Mascherano, along with Zanetti, is Argentina's most capped player, with 143 appearances to his name. In what is surely his last World Cup, El Jefecito would be eyeing to move a bit ahead of the 143 mark and create history for himself, and his country.

Although Masche played as a center-back for Barcelona, his natural position rests in the defensive midfield region. He was forced to play as a defender in the Camp Nou due to Sergio Busquets' presence. But now, away from the glamour of La Liga, Masche has had some practice in his natural role in the Chinese league. His passing would the key between the defence and attack and all people would be hoping for a lot from the veteran. A true captain without the armband, Masche has a lot of responsibilities to fulfill in Russia.

#3 Nicolas Otamendi

Otamendi playing for Argentina in a pre-World-Cup friendly

The Manchester City central defender would be playing at the heart of the defence for his national side in Russia. La Albiceleste haven't been traditionally known for their defensive capabilities nor is Argentina renowned for producing world-class defenders, but one needs to balance all departments of the squad in order to clinch the biggest prize in world football.

Otamendi had a fantastic season with Manchester City, winning the Premier League and the League Cup. In the 2017/2018 Premier League season with City, Otamendi featured in 34 out of the 38 matches and scored four goals for the club. He made over 190 recoveries and boasted a tackle success rate of 75%.

The 30-year-old defender has featured in 54 games for the Argentine National Side and his contributions to the defensive side of the game would be highly crucial in determining the duration of Argentina's stay in Russia.

While Mascherano is busy linking up with the higher lines, Otamendi's responsibilities include; formulating and maintaining offside traps, clearing dangerous balls and man-marking some of the world's most prolific forwards. Nico made his World Cup debut in South Africa. Having been left out of the squad for the 2014 World Cup, Russia would be Otamendi's second 'Mundial', and most likely his last. He certainly has the experience, and the skills to defend Argentina's goal.

#2 Gonzalo Higuain

Higuain in a training session with the Argentine camp

Higuain isn't the most loved person when it comes to major international competitions but the forward's ball holding capabilities go smoothly with Leo Messi, just as Luis Suarez goes along with the little man in Barcelona.

Higuain is infamous for missing some crucial chances in major finals for the national team and rumours even suggested that the Juventus man could be left out of Edgardo Bauza's plans, but after Bauza was sacked by the FA, Jorge Sampaoli included the versatile forward in his plans and is likely to include him in the World Cup starting lineup.

Dybala isn't expected to feature as a major player in the World Cup due to the bonding that doesn't exist between the youngster and the other players on the pitch, and hence, Argentines would be expecting a show of strength from Gonzalo Higuain, who'll have the responsibility of finishing chances for the team.

Higuain's experience gives him the edge over other forwards in the Argentine camp. The forward has been a permanent member of the squad since 2009, featuring in over 70 official matches in his nine years with the senior team. He has also scored 35 goals for La Albiceleste, and people expect him to score some more to give Argentina a fighting chance in Russia.

#1 Lionel Messi

Can he do it?

The little man had to be number one, right? The only reason 23 men from Argentine are traveling to Russia, representing their nation on the global stage is La Pulga. An extraterrestrial show of determination from the Argentine in the last match of the tense South American qualification campaign drove the country to automatic qualification spot.

Locals define the match as a resurrection for the national team. Messi defied all odds by scoring a hat-trick against Ecuador in the last match and would be required to defy a few more to clinch the Jules Rimet trophy in Moscow.

Having lost three finals in a row, and four in total with Argentina, Messi decided to hang up his boots and retire from International duty but overwhelming support from the Argentine people made him reconsider his decision. Russia would surely by Messi's last chance to win the World Cup, and reach the higher echelons in the hearts of the people of his country.

Highly compared to El Diego, Messi must arrive in Russia at the peak of his career to match the man his country loves so much that they don't care about Leo's achievements. All Argentina desires is a World Cup, and Messi is the only real hope they have.