World Cup preview: Argentina travels to Russia with questions to answer

Argentina's route to Russia was far from conventional. The country's football association had been placed under administration by FIFA just as World Cup qualifying began. Lionel Messi was suspended. Managers came and went. No combination of Mauro Icardi, Gonzalo Higuain, or Sergio Aguero could guarantee a steady stream of goals. And on the final day of qualifying, Argentina was left with a do-or-die scenario. Only victory against Ecuador in the high altitude of Quito - where La Albiceleste had rarely won before - would suffice.

The difference, as usual, was Messi. The tricky No. 10 scored a legacy-burnishing hat-trick to book a direct ticket to the 2018 World Cup.

Many questions still remain about this particular team. If it's left to Messi to do everything all the time, it's unlikely Argentina will make a deep run. And yet there's no shortage of star power on Jorge Sampaoli's 23-man squad. It's up to Messi's teammates to show up and contribute.

Group-stage schedule

Projected starting XI

Argentina manager Sampaoli has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal, so why not make the most of it? Argentina will most likely line up in a 4-2-3-1, but that could change to a more radical and aggressive 2-3-3-2 on the attack. Here, the full-backs will push themselves higher up the pitch and allow the front line to worry less about its defensive duties and concentrate more on scoring.

The revolutionary 2-3-3-2 would allow Sampaoli to remove a defensive player like Mascherano and insert a winger like 22-year-old Cristian Pavon. Sampaoli has already spoken highly of the Boca Juniors man, praising his ability to connect with Messi and invade space.

Manager: Jorge Sampaoli

Sampaoli is, as you can tell, an untraditional manager. Described by the Guardian's Marcela Mora y Araujo as a "left-field character who does not easily fit into pre-existing moulds," the 58-year-old is more of a vehement motivator than a rigid tactician. He likes to show his players movies before matches instead of giving pep talks. He professes an attacking style of play that includes rigorous pressing and athleticism. If nothing else, his Argentina will be fun to watch.

Key player: Lionel Messi

The answer to Argentina's problems is always Messi. He's often picking up the ball in midfield, sparking plays, and finishing them off - all while hordes of defenders surround him. It's almost as if his international teammates are waiting for him to do something special. Messi has 10 times the responsibilities as captain of Argentina than he does at Barcelona - a burden he'll have to embrace.

Breakout star: Giovani Lo Celso

Giovani Lo Celso is the wild card in Sampaoli's deck.

Despite growing up as a classic No. 10, Lo Celso has played in a deeper position for Paris Saint-Germain. It was the only way he could get minutes in PSG's crowded squad. And he did well, especially in the absence of Thiago Motta. Lo Celso controlled the midfield and, more importantly, suppressed his attacking instincts for the betterment of the team.

It's that selflessness and versatility that could inspire Argentina. Lo Celso has the passing range to play in virtually any midfield, and he'll let fly no matter where he finds himself on the pitch.

Lo Celso has also started in each of Argentina's last five friendlies, proving he's a genuine starter under Sampaoli.

Fans should be happy if ...

Argentinians won't rest until another World Cup is in their grasp. Similarly, Messi won't get the respect he deserves until he delivers a major trophy on the international stage. But this team is certainly not the favourite heading into Russia. There's a distinct lack of balance between defence and attack. It will take a gargantuan team effort - not just Messi's own virtuoso play - to achieve the country's dream.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)