Former Argentina international Javier Zaneti has debunked speculations that his country are a one-man team who depend on Lionel Messi.
Zaneti, who played 145 games for the La Abiceleste told Fifa.com that the South Americans have great players.
“Messi is an extraordinary player, but your squad is pivotal: at a World Cup, the 11 players on the pitch and everyone else in the group can all play an important role,” he said.
“We know that he’s the guy who can produce something special out of nothing, who can make things happen and be the match-winner, but Sampaoli has to come up with alternatives.
According to him, the South American can have a great outing in Russia. He, however, admitted it would not be an easy task.
He said: “We’re a step behind them. They’ve got teams who have been working together for a while and that shows on the pitch.
“Still, we’ve got good players, and if we do good work between now and Russia, we can have a great World Cup. It’s not going to be easy, but Argentina always have their trademark fighting spirit, which can go a long way at a World Cup.
“Messi is an extraordinary player, but your squad is pivotal: at a World Cup, the 11 players on the pitch and everyone else in the group can all play an important role.
“We know that he’s the guy who can produce something special out of nothing, who can make things happen and be the match-winner, but Sampaoli has to come up with alternatives.”
The draw for the competition holds on Friday.
