Argentina starting eleven confirmed, Lionel MESSI and Gonzalo HIGUAIN start

By
Roy Nemer
-
301
Argentina players
Argentina players at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina’s starting eleven for their match against Nigeria has been confirmed and up front, it will be Lionel MESSI and Gonzalo HIGUAIN.

As we reported on Monday, Enzo PEREZ has been battling fitness problems but appears to be at 100% and is expected to start the match. Franco ARMANI plays in his first ever match for Argentina as he replaces Willy CABALLERO. Eduardo SALVIO has been dropped in favor of Gabriel MERCADO who slots in at right back and it’ll be an all Manchester pairing as Marcos ROJO joins Nicolas OTAMENDI in the heart of the back line.

In midfield, Ever BANEGA gets his first start at a FIFA World Cup and Angel DI MARIA completes the 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation. Per reports, here is the Argentina eleven:

ARMANI; TAGLIAFICO, ROJO, OTAMENDI, MERCADO; BANEGA, MASCHERANO, Enzo; HIGUAIN, MESSI, DI MARIA

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

301 Comments

  2. BANEGA BANEGA BANEGA, that pass right there was the most important play of the game. He gave Messi the types of balls he mostly get at Barcelona. And when you do that, more often than not, Messi will deliver. I said it and will repeat, rising up from death in this fashion is transformative. May be, to awaken them, the team needed to have its back absolutely against the wall. They survived and we saw the passion, in the eyes, in the celebration. Nothing is possible without passion and Argentina has plenty of it now. The team got its mojo back. It doesn’t matter who is in front anymore, doesn’t matter who the adversary is, luck is on Argentina side now.

  4. Rating:

    Messi – 10
    He lead from the front. What a goal. It would go down as one of the all time great goals in the history of world cup. That control at top speed. That finishing. And what a critical goal it was.
    Had to drop deep in the second half to provide control which was alarming. We need him as close to goal as possible.

    Banega – 9.5
    Banega at his best. Excellent thorough ball for the Messi goal and DiMaria chance. He was everywhere.

    Rojo – 9.5
    Well played at centre back. Brought the ball forward well. What a goal that was. Absolute beauty of a volley.

    Mascherano – 9
    Fought well. The big brother of our team. Too many missed passes in the beginning

    Mercado – 9
    Took care of Musa pretty well. Awesome cross for the assist of winner.

    Otamendi – 8
    Solid at the back. Didn’t make a single mistake even though Nigeria pressed well.

    Armani – 8
    Brought tranquility in the defense. His height seems to be a plus. Long balls were quite good.

    Tagliafico – 8
    Confident player. Attacked and defended well

    DiMaria – 8
    Provided class and energy on the left. Helped the defense. He lost the steam in the second half. Overall fought well.

    Higuain – 7
    Good work off the ball, good as a target man, again extremely poor in goal scoring

    Pavon – 7
    Good speed, vibrant, but poor corner kicks & passing. Still our attack thru right improved once he came.

    Enzo – 5.5
    Didn’t provide much in attack or mid control. Controlled Musa well until he lost the concentration in the second half. He was withdrawn after that. I don’t think he deserves a starting spot. Lo Celso would be a much better option.

    Meza – 4
    Brought nothing. Don’t know why he was brought in again. Sampaoli rates him too highly, but he hasn’t shown anything. Should have brought Dybala instead.

    Aguero – NA

    —

    This match showed we still badly need Lo Celso. Leo had only 2 chances, one from a free-kick. Only Banega was there to provide him the pass where he wanted. With LoCelso, we can unleash Messi more. He can defend pretty well. He should start ahead of Enzo.

    Meza shouldn’t play at any point of time especially when we have a much better player Dybala on the bench.

    As for #9, we need Higuain’s height, pressing, movements and passing game. But his goal scoring is awful. If only he had the goal scoring ability (while playing for us) of Aguero.

    And finally, for ever Messi magic, we need someone to stand up to sail ahead. This time, it was Rojo. What a goal from him. For every Messi magic, we need a Banega brilliance. For every Rojo magic, we need a Mercado brilliance.

    • Exactly bro. Lo celse should come. Should have come instead of meza.
      We can beat France with
      Banega Masche Lo celso Midfield…

    • Malabari Albiceleste Banega was the best player, Messi was great 1st half. The 2nd half I feel he was a little bit quieter. Still played a part though.

      • Messi was quieter because he didn’t get enough support from midfield as Banega was deeper. Nigeria also defended well once they got a goal. Messi was surrounded with 3-4 players every time he got the ball. We need one more player to control the midfield.

  5. You know what, just 6 hours ago I went on a negative rant where I called them ‘messi’s flying monkeys’, ‘losers’ and ‘loser amigos’. Afterwards I finished it all off with the ever classy ‘f**k u’ aimed at the AFA, Sampa, Messi and his buddies. But that’s not all, mere weeks ago I said that Rojo, Banega, Masch were over the hill and that Enzo and Meza are deserving of starting spots! Needless to say I was wrong on all account and you know what, I’M GLAD/HAPPY/ELATED/ECSTATIC and every other positive word in the english dictionary, I want these guys to prove me and every critic wrong and today they have.
    With that being said I’m not sorry for the heavy criticism I threw at them because that performance against Croatia was THE worst performance I’ve ever seen from this team, not just because they lost big against a lesser (yet still good) team but because of the manner by which they lost, they just….gave up! Simply didn’t give a ***t and that is something that cannot be excused.
    I had every right to criticize the ever inconsistent Ever or the severely out of form Rojo or the clearly past his prime Mascherano, but then again that’s what a true athlete does, he pushes on through despite his shortcomings, conquering his fears and his doubters while rewarding his faithful fans.

    Hope our boys in white and blue will take a load off tonight and celebrate abit (don’t get too carried away like they did after beating England in 98) but tomorrow you wake up early and start planning for France because the tournament has just begun and to be honest it’s winnable, not because Argnetina’s been good but rather because every other big team has been mediocre at best.

  6. Armani – what a calm presence. His passing was top quality.

    Mascherano just keeps writing his legacy. A few mistakes in the first half but recovered quickly. He is a player who’s trying to play beyond his ability with risky passes. Still the best no.5 we have. I would take him any day.

  7. So happy that the Amigos de Messi gang proved MOST of US ( including me ) wrong . Rojo ,Masche, Messi & Banega .Mercado…what a match . One of our greatest days to escape from the jaws of elimination & most importantly show the mental strength when it really mattered .
    I feel we will come stronger than France in next game & hopefully Messi peaks from here.
    – my worry is masche , messi, banega have all picked up yellow cards. Critical to survive next 2 matches without a card ( especially Masche who will continue his dodgy tackles )
    – Banega was the best player of first half. banega & lo celso can be used across 90 mins. Both of them lose steam across a match. Same with DiMaria -Pavon.
    – pls no more of Higuaín… he added one more beauty to his trophy of sitters today. Cant Dybala play his role or bring back Aguero.
    – i think Armani was not tested much . But that’s fine as atleast the first match nerves are over & that’s a good thing . i am only hoping his PK skills are good as for sure we will have atleast 1 shootout ( seeing the way moses foxed him in the penalty )
    – i still feel Salvio can contribute in RM .
    – the pleasant surprise is Masche who have really stepped up well. Though not in 2014 level , he still packs a punch. I don’t think we have a substitute to him if he gets suspended or injured.
    – Both Mercado ( great cross ) & Tagliafico also proved good . Tagliafico actually has been having a good tournament.

    • also sampaoli just walked away after match. Didn’t stay back with team to celebrate. clearly players & coach not talking . But for today’s happiness , who the f&%k cares about that ?
      Meza should be encouraged & not discarded totally inspite of today’s performance. Its a pressure cooker environment he is not used to at this level.

      • You a wrong. When Ballack missed the final because of suspension in 2002 Fifa changed the rules and Mascherano’s yellow is valid up to the semifinal so players don’t miss the final with 2 yellows.

  8. I love Armani this is the first time I seen him live but you just feel from the start this guy is where he is meant to be. I read his story to get and love it, watched a few videos on YouTube and love it even more he seems to eminate a strong aura. Absolutely love everything about him. Maybe it’s just me but I felt a fighting spirit coming from Higuain he fought till the end. I hope he’ll get a goal, his chance was very difficult to take but he his head didn’t go down…! I’m so happy for all these guys. Even Di Maria plays some bad passes but works so so hard for his team mates.

    I think for once in their life, this group will feel genuine appreciation from Argentina..!!

  9. So happy I was cryin
    I never watched match but heard messi goal

    On 90 mins I checked bbc sport and saw Moses Penalty saying level
    I was distraught until I scrolled up and saw 1-2

    I heard meza was rubbish again and also Paton

  11. It was definitely foolish from the part of mascherano but it was a soft penalty conceded. Usually Cakir doesnt give those. Wonder what would have been if he was the man in charge for the England-Tunisia game. Probably HurriKane could have had two hattricks back to back!

  13. Argentina missed creativity in midfield, benega took off pressure from messi shows today, if lo celso bring back then midfield become more creative. Argentina world cup group stage looks bad like Portugal euro group stage somehow qualify where didn’t deserve to go next round, but Portugal became champion now Argentina will 🏆

  14. First half we were very good. The sober and the switched on Banega turned up. Perez played well too.
    2nd half that penalty hurt us pathologically. But the last 10 minutes we upped the tempo once pavon came on. Which was good to see overall Banega for me man of the match. He was every where winning the ball and wanted to keep play moving.

    Well done team! Thank you so much for giving me the sight of winning a game at this world cup.
    After a slow start hopefully this kick starts our world cup. VAMOS🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

  16. Rojo did the much needed job for Argentina.
    Banega was brilliant in midfield.
    Though Mascheranho was not at his best tonight. But still he was inspiration for everyone.
    The Argentina’s defensive vulnerability has been minimized because of Franco Armani.
    But Rojo, Otamendi, Mercado, Mascheranho have to practice and workout on speed and stamina in these 4 days.
    Poorest corners has been taken from Pavon. And very poor inaccurate pass in the box put question marks on his preparation of 4 days. Meza was also poor in speed and poor in creating chances as well. It’s big concern for these both young players. Aguero and Higuain was good but Both must have to practice more on running ball shots in little space.
    I have always said, “if you want to win a match, then don’t be predictable in the opponent box. You have to do things beyond opponent’s imagination.”

  17. one thing is 100% certain Higuain can play with out ball but can’t score goals. Happy to see rojo, as i already said if Argentina have to progress Rojo have to find 2014 performance. And Armani played great game with good reading, apart from plenty which was more moses brilliance to commit goal keeper wrong way, but musa saves is crucial else Nigeria finished the game

    • Meza still does not have big-game composure, I think. Too nervous. Banega’s pass is so crucial and Messi’s goal is a beauty, the way he cushioned the ball with his left foot perfectly! Mascherano fought like a lion; until he bled. I think the other defenders too played their hearts out, especially in the first half; it was a spirited fight, well done!

  19. Armani did great! He moves like a goalkeeper. It takes catastrophe for us to make the right decision. Sadly that guy who I offered a bet to when I said I leave this blog if Armani doesn’t start sometime during the World cup didn’t bite.
    Mascherano fought like a lion and his other side played like a dummy. Please leave dumbness and play like a lion.
    First half we were like a team. Perez although not great filled his role.
    I talked about midfielders and there are only 2 midfielders who can safe our ass and they are Banega and Lo Celso.
    Messi will win his confidence back. During the KO games we will be hard to beat.
    I said before and after the first game that our hardest obstacle will be to go through the group phase and after that we will be dangerous.
    We must built on the first half performance.
    Pay lo Celso instead of Perez and I am clueless what to do with Higuain/aguero.
    Play Di Maria or Pavon not both, sub one for the other depending on how we perform.
    We can beat France and Portugal.
    That would be the sweetest thing.

    • Di Maria played his heart out; I saw the fighting spirit of the coal-packing boy! He got tired in the end I think it was right for Sampaoli to substitute him out. Pavon was very lively against the tiring Nigerians; but I think Meza did not play well. Higuain is decent in midfield but he can’t really shoot well now; I do not know why, how did he do it for Juventus? I think Aguero would be better in front now.

  20. The heart put into the match by the so called seniors who we (including me) ridiculed is incredible. The youngsters Meza and Pavon did not have one hundredth of the grit that Mascherano today showed. Lot of areas to improve. But we live to fight another day. Vamos Argentina.

    • Yes, exactly, I saw the fight in Mascherano and Di Maria. Some of you wanted to bench Mascherano, but I do not think we have anyone else like him who tackles with such grit and bite. He is not perfect but he has the will to give it his all to win. Thanks for bleeding for us, Masche!

  21. Guys I don’t believe in superstition but I want to share something with you. Its like every time I decided not to watch any crucial Argentina match and I will go meditate instead, the results favor us. I ignored the Ecuador match and we COPA 26 TIL the finsl. But I have decided to not watch any of the matches live from now on hoping it’s a good luck omen. I mean this even if make the final. In my country replays are shown right after the matches. So I am force to believe this superstition for now as I had bad luck with Diego. I all the live WC matches I watched live eith Diego, he was mediocre. However most of the Diego substantial moment, I watch on tape. So I am gonna keep this trend and not watch any Argentina match live from now on. I will occupy myself like tonight., by taking a 2 hour walk during following Argentina t matches. Vamos carajo.

    • Sabellista I think this meditation thing is right .Whenever I do meditation(keeping mind pure) something good happens which makes me happy today I meditated and the result is Argentina won Croatia won and Argentina qualified.All is good.

  23. Thanks Rojo… you showed up when it mattered the most! You made my day!!! Higuain should have buried that chance!!! Could have proved costly!
    Anyways, Good job Lio & Argentina. Good luck for France match.

  26. Sadly Meza and Pavon seem so useless so far that Di Maria has to play, he needs to step up, cmon Angel you are much betetr than this, btw after a Di Maria run (and again a great Banega pass) a red card is failed.

  27. Masche was good OFF the ball (apart from the penalty), ON the ball he was a joke.

    Rojo always plays well for Argentina he just needs to be willing to.

    Banega finally comes to live for Argentina!

    • Problem is will masche be subbed if needed? As he’s strong figure and rumored to pick players he might not subbed himself. But apart from penalty that almost cost us, he’s strong in defence.

  28. gongratulations argentina ! well done ! and i do apoligise for been so mean to rojo ! and without croatians help we would have been out ! so there are still quite many question marks example masherano, though that penalty might have been bit harsh though and his commitment on the field is 100% offcourse, but is he stil the best player from our team to play on actually, which position, i’m not that certain and in fact i’m quite clueless in fact of his role and why every damn ball we play have to go through him first , banega was great on the first half specially, but again he somehow managed to vanish towards the end ? Messi was deffinetly more motivated and had that fighting spirit in him and when pavon came on they had some kind of chemistry at least for a bit so i think we should try to play more messi and pavon together and deffinetly start with banega again ! also i’m not that convinced by mercado or either di maria though meza was not that great either ?
    so my favourite line up against froggie’s during what i have seen from our players so far is that if lo celso cant for some freaking reason to play at all then i would go either banega, enzo or meza for our middfield and maybe even try fit dybala somewhere ? maybe something like this :
    armani
    ansaldi otamendi rojo/fazio/tagliafigo rojo/taglafigo
    enzo banega meza
    pavon messi acuna

    anyway big thanx for our guys to getting at least to next round against the froggie’s and now looking the highlights from croatia vs iceland i have first give thanx to croatian goalkeeper who looked to be awesome by saving our assses by several key savings and to perisic and co. etc.. tonthe whole croatian team because the truth is that without of their effort against iceland who did not play bad at all ! we would be departing russia at this very present moment, but luckily lady luck was on our side today in both of the game’s and there was deffinetly some progress, but still lot of question marks to answer ? all the best to every member of mundo albiceleste and let’s hope we can somehow be able to beat the froggie’s first and then if we win i think we will have play against one our favorite opponents of all time, Uruguay ! Because i truly hope that they will beat the shit out of christiana !

  30. 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷

  32. Thank you Croatia!

    France, Brazil, Spain, Germany, and England, if we have to pick one tough opponent in the knock out stage, I would pick France without a doubt.

    I would even pick France over Denmark.

    If we can win France, we will be unstoppable in this world cup.

    • Tbh, at this stage, and after what the team has been through, fear nobody, NOBODY. Bring anybody, anytime. From now on, and because it’s elimination game for everybody it doesn’t matter anymore. Games will be way more open, there will be more space. Bring it on.

  34. Banega has been milimeters!
    Like I said, he’s the one who should be partnering with Masche.
    Look at the result.
    And Messi also delivers, good weak foot goal. And Rojo…. No one expect this from him but sensational finish. Thank you.
    See you again against France.

  35. Enzo was looking lacklusture.Like he has no power in his body I think age is factor or he may be not 100%.Next match Lo Celso needed.Pur fullback Taglafico and Mercado are best.They never looked tired in whole game.But I think Ansaldi also deserves chance.
    Midfield needs work Awesome Banega.But that penalty almost took the game

  36. YEAH!!!! WE MADE IT!!!!! I was wrong! I love this shirt!!!!! I am so happy I cant describe it!! I was crying like a child when the ref blew the final whistle! What an emotional roler coaster this game was. Thank you to Lio(who did run more) and Marcos!!! Banega was great. Tagliafico good. Nice first half, terrible second half.

  37. Finally they fight.
    Tough but great win.
    Messi back on track.
    Banega outstanding
    Mascherano heroic.
    Armani strong.
    Di Maria and Perez weak.

    How can you bring on Meza in stead of Dybala for Di Maria?

  38. Thank God we won.
    We are doing everything to lose but we got lucky and won.
    Good first half and terrible second half.
    Big up to Banega, Tagliafico and Messi.
    Also thank you Cakir.
    Hopefully luck is on our side like this because this is the only way we are going to win.

      • elaborate what I said that is not true. Please tell me and let’s have a discussion hater. You are just a casual fan who watches futbol once in 4 years. Yes I am a hater, I hate everything that is against my team.
        Mister casual last night I exchanged words with my brother insisting Iran’s penalty was a penalty just because I hate Ronaldo who has done nothing to me, just bringing me trophies because I am a Manchester United Fan, fto support Messi who plays for my team and although I don’t respect him as a person want him to become the greatest ever.
        I bet you said last night it was a penalty too? and you liked it! Now have some character and don’t contradict yourself because Rojo’s hand was more a penalty than yesterday’s penalty.
        You are the hater, and you are biased ass kisser. sorry to say that.

  39. I think ARMANI brings luck to this team after all he is a River Plate GK which brings good Omen to us. He did an important save too. It looks a simple save but was huge. He looks a commanding GK not weak. Brings confidence to the defense, Great

    • Armani was strong today. It’ll boost our defence up knowing they have a quality brick wall behind them. Over 20 clean sheets for River Plate this season, why not… lol.

  42. The LION is back.Thanks Rojo.Rojo were looking good since the start.He appears from nowhere to score goal.Higuain missed one chance more.Messi goal was classic.mixture of touch technique and finishing that is why he is greatest ever.Happy for Maradona.Di maria I do not know why he can not perform.
    Sweet dreams guys.

  44. 1 half was VERY good by us. 2 half the penalty took us out of game for 20 minutes this we have to work on. Is psychology. Super two goals and real chances in open play. Banega messi rojo best players but all run like crazy. Now all can happen for all teams

    • Mascherano needs a statue of the hardest hardened steel on top of the Obelisco..

      Messi showed class.. Rojo is so clutch in big games.. Banega decided to wake up and be brilliant (lets see if he keeps it up). Pavon immense spark (Dimaria you need a break). Higuain hustled his ass off (you gotta put them away!). Armani!

      Vamos Argentina! Vamos carajo!.. everyone did well.. weakest links where meza and dimaria..

  46. WE ARE BACK VAMMOOOOOOS
    Fuck the referee fuck journalists of sheets we re gonna to beat france messi is doing well banega huge game masche was warrior definitely even if he just couldnt be pirlo so let more the ball to the others pls gonzalo was motivated di maria too
    I think that the penalty kills us then we still could win it

  48. Man of the Match – EVER BANEGA what a Match he had He marshaled the Midfield. At-last the real BANEGA shows up. No other Midfield player in our team can do that.

    • @Mik yes he did…shame on Sampaoli for nothing starting him from the get go,people can say whatever they want about this team but I still have hope as true Argentina football fan
      HIGUAIN is not gonna score everyday but what he brings to the table Aguero doesn’t period. ROJO is one of the best when wearing this jersey
      Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      How can you not proud

  49. So I guess Messi and “his friends” aren’t too shabby after-all. Higuain played his heart out I must say. Mascherano didnt have the best game, a lot of missed passes but he has a warrior-like mentality which is vital in a game like this… And Messi….what more can I say, the guy is clutch.. For anyone who was calling for Fazio to start today, Rojo made his biggest statement.

    Now I can finally get back to work in PEACE hahaha

    • MASCHERANO is a warrior this guy neve ever fail to impress when it’s about our beloving Jersey ..I’m literally crying right now😥😥😥 we come so far

  52. At last Argentina won. Now negative people in this blog should suicide. Go and die and don’t show your fucking retarded face in this blog Again. Friends club won while your favourites kids always disappointed us. Vamos Argentina

  55. YYYYYAAAAAAYYYYYAAAYAYAYAYAYYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA!!!!
    What did I tell you after the Croatia match…?

    All the naysayers take your meds and go sit in the fuckin corner

  60. this team is worst in this tournament ,stop talking shit over messi.tonight we gonna burn out all the argentina’s jersey in Haiti.that’s a bullshit team with a bullshit players.

  61. coach is in mentally disturbed. he don’t know who get in who get out.

    he very funny…..

    now the mistake done by mastering.

    Argentina out of WC 2018.

    messi totally getting frustrated..

    coach is fall in love with meza

  62. why again we are subbing of one of our best players in the whole tournament and just cant take that idiot masherano away fom the pitch instead of tagliafigo, is el jefecito our new riquelme or what and allmost every ball we pass has go through him ?

  63. he brought in meda for maria instead of dybala

    what a duck that is doing

    now penalty given by rojo

    super.
    finished 2018 WC

  69. they are started to attack us.

    penalty. fuckin mascherano fuckin you
    their formation has changed now.

  72. so iceland vs croatia 0=0 at halftime, though iceland have had 3 shot’s on target and croatia none!
    so i now i just hope croatians will not allow iceland to score, but if they do how many goals we have to score more than them assuming that we will win this game ! btw what beauty that goal was the pass i belive from banega to messi and offcourse what great ball controll at full speef and whst a finnish ! it somehow reminded me of 1990 in italy against the brasilans though that time cannigia’s run was unbeliveable like was the pass from diego too ! but banega’s pasd was so accurate and long too and messi had to control the ball at full speed to be able drop the ball down directly on his path way to able to launch that magnificent shot ! hard to say right now which one i prefer more and actually it doesn’t matter to me at all just that we go throgh against the froggie’s ! Vamos argentina !

    • 2 more than Iceland. Else it will come down to individual goals in games. And Yellow cards.

      If Iceland wins that game needless to say Argentina is finished.

  73. It’s funny how Brazil not qualified yet, portugal and Spain barely made last minute, meanwhile argentina was the team fox wanted to talk cheap about.lol

  76. We need one early.. Iceland is close to scoring.. we need to win by 3 aggregate.. my brother in law said Croatia is relaxing and giving balls away east in the final pitch..

  77. Mascherano is tackling outstandingly but gives away too many balls in the danger zone. Banega is the best pivot in this game, and he has earned the start. Another goal by the Albiceleste and this game would have been over.

  81. masherano has been fukking up the passes, I think Ansaldi can offer much more than tagliafico, to me he is not that special besides his unpredictable run he makes on occasions. This game is far from being over.

  82. This game now finally reminds me why we need Higuain. He has the height and strength he can take the stress off Messi. With aguero he usually needs to come outside to receive some balls to rotate and thus he distance himself far from leo. Seeing higuain trying to regain possession looked more lethal and aggressive than aguero.

    • Ok guys. So far so good. But croatian idiots are on the roops and surly thay will concide at least one gol. So we need to be focus and try score again. And what about messi??? Im getting bored with disscussion about the goat in football. Who dont see pure and anrepetable magic….. I feel sorry. I am so happy that i am living in same time like him…… God bless you little men, god bless you.

  86. Take that u fucking Messi Haters and to those who don’t value our experienced players like Banega..

    That goal not only went into the net of Nigeria goal, but also your asses.

  92. vamos argentina….
    it is of much joy see them playing in the World cup matches…..hope we continue going further in WC 18……I still cherish the memory of winning moment aginst Nederland in WC14…roar of romero, an emotional messi…..this is one of the happiest moment of my life…..hoping for the same in this wc too….come on!!!!!
    abid(from Bangladesh)

  93. So Argentina wants to start in 4-4-2. I like that Di Maria is playing behind. What I dislike is that to beat Nigeria in 3-5-2, a single pivot is better. They’re playing a double pivot and will leave the weakest CB who is Rojo very vulnerable. I expect Nigeria to score at least 1 if not 2. Nigeria also comes out of the half adjusting its tactics, so they should not score early here, since in the second half they will move to a 5-3-2 naturally.

  95. Sean eternos los laureles,
    que supimos conseguir,
    que supimos conseguir.
    Coronados de gloria vivamos

    O juremos con gloria morir!

    O JUREMOS CON GLORIA MORIR !

  96. All that matters is this one game – F#$K the CUP, F$%K the naysayers and the keyboard-pundits.

    Argentina, it shouldnt have come down to this but it has – so what are you going to do? Time to finally show up. Playing out your hearts is the Utimate Goal, Victory will be the by-product. Even if you lose as long as you play like you are all meant to, i am with you. FUCK the lineup-gurus and those spreading negativity.

    I will never let go… as long as there is one player in blue-and-white playing for Arg.

    Viva Albiceleste! and FUCK YOU [insert your username here] IF you still want to sit back and throw shit at the team.

  98. Vamos Argentina
    Sabes que yo te quiero
    Hoy hay que ganar y ser primero
    Esta hinchada loca, dejo todo por la copa
    La que tiene a Messi y Maradona

    Ponga huevo vaya al frente Argentina
    Ponga huevo vaya al frente jugadores
    Este año tenemos que dar la vuelta
    No vinimo’ todo’ a Rusia a ser campeones.

    VAMOS ARGENTINA !!!

  99. I remember when Messi scored against Ecuador in the match where we would not qualify if we lost, the commentator said, “This is what the great great players do. They seem to choose their moments to show their worth”.

    I hope he is right.

    Vamos Argentina!

  100. Eddie Nissan, i have agree with everything u said in your comment below:

    Eddie Nissan :

    Fuck this coach and fuck this line up. As much as I love Messi but with this lineup he won’t get anywhere. No Dybala, no Lo Celso enough with these old players. Good by Argentine, go home and fire 85% of the whole team including the board, coaches, management, the president and get new talent and smart people to run the show. Enough of this corruption.
    If Messi was playing for any team in the world, he could have won at least 2 World Cup.

    Only i might have not take’n dybala, but lo celso was a must ! But again we see our useless shit player “el jeficito” who has absolutle nothing to offer for our attacking options ! and what a fuck is rojo doing back in the starting eleven ? Why not play fazio with otamendi in the middle or otamendi with tagliafigo inna middle and but ansaldi on the left ! If they play Diva on the right then i hope he can truly deliver after reading his letter, lol ! Ok, it was nicely written and i do not not doub it, but like he said himself every player has to allmost face situation like he have had to make it to europe and start earning money ! But like San Isidro said Argentina should not allow their players to leave too early to big european clubs specially, because they are loaded with enourmous amount’s of money and all they do care is about making more money with their team obviously winning so that’s is why they buy so many youngsters from all overcand in the end they will see who will make it an d who eill not and those who dont make it propably have in the worst case scenario return back to Argentina again, which is not maybe not that bad in the end, but for sure it’s not good for their confidence and development as player if they just have to been move around like some fucking garco of some big shipping companie’s ! anyway sampa u fucking moron i still blame u the most for all our failure, if miracle dont occur and let us go through against the fucking froggie’s and intruly hope dane’s will beat the shit out of those motherfucking croatin’s too ! my line up for against nigerians would have been :
    armani
    mercado fazio otamendi tagliafigo
    enzo lo celso banega
    di maria Messi pavon

    or :
    armani
    mercado otamendi tagliafigo andaldi
    lo celso banega
    di maria Messi pavon
    higuain/aguero

    Fuck off u fucking moron sampal”the dickhead”olek ! and thank u so much for your great contribution and for your experiment with our team ! One can’t be thst supid thst given the time u had, u just spoiled it all eith your constsnt experiment and changing from another dise to another and finally when we should have been properly set up for this tournament u decided to back to ” el jefecito” biglia, rojo and put the willy between our posts ! Whst a fucking gteat coach u truly are, u stupid fucking idiot ! Everybody who watches football at least sometime’s know’s that given the time u had for preparing our team to this tournament is thst u cant dimply keep on changing your mind like fucking lunatic with “Dissociative identity disorder” because eventually yuo will bring your sickness upon thebwholevteam ! Still can’t figure out what made u to drop lo celso and why did u brought rojo, mascherano, biglia and willy to russia in the first place ! what happened to lanzini could have happenned to anybody and ok u did bring enzo to replace him, but enzo should have been allready maybe in the 23 list like paredes too and pezzella and someone else than fucking willy!
    That’s is i diagnosed u with” Dissociative identity disorder”, and i do really sorry for u anf hope that u will once be able to defeat your sickness ! And if allmighty have any mercy left for u then he might give us our very needed victory against the nigerian’s and maybe your healing process could start from there? if u really want to get well again, u better start doing something about it very quickly, because once u enter airplane which is flying out of russia with nothing else than a huge embarrasment then i’m agfraid for u that it will suddenly all occur to u and u could doo taht exactly stupid thing that one our supporters dis in kerala, unfortunatly, R.I.P and maybe u would feel like jumping out of airplane without parasuite before the plane arrive’s in argentina, but offcourse u have most propably chosen another destination for your well earned and paid holiday, which most propably was all that u just wanted all the time instead of taking care of our team and our players too ! So happy holidays for and go fuck yourself under the fucking coconuttree etc..u fucking moron!

  101. The time has arrived .

    i unite my prays and my voice together with all the brothers inside and outside the stadium .

    Time to fight. time to show how is to fight with Argentine heart.

    There is no way back.
    NOW or NEVER !!!

    VAMOS ARGENTINA !!!
    VAMOS A GANAR !!!

  102. It is time to see the real Messi and co.I feel fresh, enthusiastic and optimistic. That’s a good sign for me and hopefully for all of you. Let just pray that all squad feel the same way…
    Millions of Argentina fans here in Indonesia will celebrate great victory with all of you…tonight.

  103. I will only watch the first 10 minutes, because a quick opening goal is our only hope. The team just need a beautiful goal to boost their confidence.

  104. I want argentina to win
    I see Nigeria scoring
    I see argentina scoring
    I see argentina panicking and losing all hope and conceding on counter

    I see Nigeria winning 3-1 or 3-2

    just have that feeling as I did before both copa finals

    • Croatia may be slack and ok with a draw or 1 goal loss but they can’t be playing with the attitude to give Iceland a win with big margin. They know that Argentina can collapse any time and if things go well with Nigeria, they can score loads and take over the group. That will put Croatia facing France in 1/8
      I think that match with end up 0-0, 0-1, 1-0, or 0-1. That said, if we can win with 2 goals difference, we will be 90% qualifying.

    • croatia has to lose, and we have to lose 5-0. as bad as we’ve looked, those odds are pretty slim. we just have to hope iceland plays of their depth and gets punished

      and of course argentina wins

      • That’s wrong. If Croatia lose 0-2, and Nigeria win 4-0, Nigeria will top the group. Croatia know Argentina well, if we concede, anyone can score 3 more goals while our players are panic. Croatia cannot be to relaxing and let the Icelanders score at will.

        I didn’t mean we will lose. I only meant that we should just focus on our job. It will be less probable that Croatia lose by 2 than Argentina win by 2

  108. I dont have much faith today as Samp stuck a dagger in the team’s heart when he trotted out a formation and lineup that was completely bonkers to everyone except himself.

    with that being said, lets not make Nigeria into some football juggernaut. They looked awful against Croatia and didnt have a shot on goal until late in the second half. Also, they had the benefit of Iceland playing more open. Iceland’s only shot is to play their game, which is defend all match and hope for a counter attack or set piece. They’ll be playing for the win today and hopefully Croatia’s second team can make them pay. I worry that wont be the case as we just saw a disinterested France team play for a draw. (Even though a draw works in our case.)

  110. It sucks that Croatia won’t be at full strength 🙁 So now I am not confident that they will be beat or draw Iceland. Hope I am wrong. Something tells me this is not the end for Argentina this WC. We shall see in the next 3 hours. BLESSINGS

  112. The match wil be 1 am here. I am not Argentinian but I love Argentina national team. So I guess I don’t have right to use ‘special words’ like those who think deserve to use in here. I just pray MESSI and ‘his club’ can go to knock out round and finish what they have started in 2014. I also pray I can watch the game till the end because when nigeria score, I will turn off the tv and go sleep (still pray that MESSI cs will qualify). Amin.

  113. Wasn’t Bilardo hated back in 86, won the WC and finished 2nd in a WC. I hope Sampaoli can show his true skills today and prove people wrong. Higuain is a joke but he’ll add possession build up which will allow us more chances (like he did against Italy).

    Why is everyone saying we’ll be out if Iceland win… if Iceland win say 1-0 and we win 3-0 we go through.

    My prediction is Argentina 3-0 Nigeria Messi 2 goals.

  114. Fuck this coach and fuck this line up. As much as I love Messi but with this lineup he won’t get anywhere. No Dybala, no Lo Celso enough with these old players. Good by Argentine, go home and fire 85% of the whole team including the board, coaches, management, the president and get new talent and smart people to run the show. Enough of this corruption.
    If Messi was playing for any team in the world, he could have won at least 2 World Cup.

      • I agree. Its criminal locelso and dybala (id add ansaldi) are not getting minutes.. but.. they should have been over the past 4 years.. and they werent. We had 3 coaches all different, especially this one.. our team has no structure and no time to experiment. I agree in this do or die moment to revert back to a formation and core of players that do know how to play together. Let the experienced 2014 group win this.. because its their fault we are here today (coaches too)

        This WC will be the reset button, Its time for the veterans to retire and for a new coach to build a continuous system with lids who will peak in 4 years. I hope messi takes a break, we start winning without him and then he is brought in as the cherry, not the the core, like Neymar is in Brasil today.

  115. So it’s France, if we through today.
    I repeat my last week prediction..before knowing who’s first and second.
    Argentina Vs France
    Argentina Vs Uruguay
    Argentina Vs Belgium
    Argentina Vs Croatia
    Argwntina winneing the final 3-0

    If we win today, no-one can stop this team….!

    • unfortunately Croatia knocked out by Denmark if not then Spain going to destroy, Nigeria vs Argentina do or die for 4-2 defeat revenge and Spain vs Argentina final for 6-1 friendly revenge

      • Lol that would be nice.. but we haven’t seen an Argentina team that can do that this tournament… Nigeria is a fast team and clinical now a days.. I’m praying Armani and messi have the game of their lives..

    • What happens, no matter! I like positive people! The most important thing is that we love Argentina & always with the team. Go ahead my team! Vamos!

  116. Why is it that we never take the help of a team psychologist ? Germany did before last W C final. We never do anything logically or scientifically. In the current situation in which the team is a mind coach would have been ideal.
    Regarding game also I don’t think we should aim for 3 0 or 4 0. Just make sure we win . The other match we have no control. I don’t think Croatia will throw the match. That doesn’t make sense

    • Croatia won’t throw the match, they will play like it’s an important game, plus Iceland don’t have goal scorers, they are all bunch of defenders.

      • They (Croatia) are resting their main players also protection from injuries. Makes sense. Last wc qualifiers 2014 we played the last match against Uruguay like that. So nothing should be read into it beyond that.

  118. Guys don’t panic we will win but not sure to be qualified unfortunately croatia is selling their game but whatver it s not the first time that we will wait for another diego and another trophy.
    Argentina produce the most pure talent in the world it will last until the end of football it s a genitical fact. Argentina will rise again it could be today otherwise it will be in 2022 2026

  119. I am not feeling good about this match. On flip side, i was feeling really good about Iceland match and results did not went our way. So, i could be wrong. We need to beat Nigeria and pray iceland vs Croatia resulted in draw.

    • Same feeling… I just left work to watch the game.. I didn’t schedule it off bc I thought we would already be qualified… Since it might be messi last world cup game , I left. Win or lose I am glad I was able to witness Argentina make it to the finals

  120. cant take this pressure anymore
    worse I have an exam tomorrow
    if the worst happens I wont even be able to study, cant even study now after seeing that achilles cat predict a nigeria win.

  122. croatia resting 10 of their starters.rakitic,modric,mandzukic,brozovic etc all rested.we will be out even we win.croatia and iceland fixing the match just that we get knocked out

    • We need to complain to FIFA about it. If we have done it, it would be scandal but not Croatia. I am hopeful Croatia gets knocked out next round.

  123. Win the match in complete organised way. Don’t allow any vulnerability at all. All 11 players including Goalkeeper should have in mind that they have (45X60seconds) of play time to score at least 3 goals. Play offensively and unsettle Nigerian players with skills and speed, that will put them tremendous pressure. Intercept their passes in midfield and create more and more opportunity to score everytime. We want nothing but show your hearts. Don’t repeat those mistakes in midfield that already hurt as a team.
    Dont be relax any second, Play intelligently and cautiously as a team nothing but for WIN. That’s why I say early minute goal is must needed that will show you path for scoring more goals in first half. Don’t left anything for second half.

  125. Don’t know what to say. Spirits died last Thursday. Miracles needed and Mountain moving faith plus fighting spirit. Least excited for this one.

  126. I don’t care what our starting xi is. I am only worried about our speed. We are the slowest 🐌 team in this tournament. Lets pray that our oldies can keepup with the Nigerian pace.

    Ps:Italy was old and slow in 2006.

  127. Seriously, will Lo Celso alone would have solved our problems in the Midfield?? Had it been the Case then against Spain we got burned as well as against Nigeria. I think Enzo is always a safe choice of course he is old but reliable(He did play decently against Croatia) All played badly in that match by the way what about Messi’s performance. Lo Celso who is a great talent, someone who can lead our midfield for so many years Ascacibar – Paredes – Lo Celso will be a great Trio, he can play as an attacking Midfielder too, we rarely produce good Midfielders nowadays , But i don’t think as of now he will solve all our Midfield problems. By the way he is one of my favorite player along with Paredes. lets see how we r gonna do. HOPE FOR THE BEST. All the Best again.

    • Right, Lo Celso in himself wouldn’t have solved the problem and neither would Dybala or anyone else. Because to me it seems that we have a chemistry/tactical problem not an individual ability problem. I really believe that even our 2nd best 11, whoever they are, they are better than Nigeria’s main aquad on a player by player basis. But still we have dificulty in presenting a really comptetive team on the pitch. So far at least.

  129. So did Diego and his colleagues ever get to meet with this year’s team? I heard Carlitos and Ortegita were going to participate digitally.

  130. Enro Abrar
    Edit profile
    Enro Abrar
    @beingrealboy
    Success means nothing to me if it isn’t hard to get
    27 Following
    1.3K Followers
    Tweets
    Tweets & replies
    Media
    Likes
    Enro Abrar’s Tweets
    You Retweeted
    IsiCwicwicwi
    IsiCwicwicwi
    @Its_kagiso
    ·
    22 Jun
    Mascherano stopped being am elite footballer in 2013.
    3
    You Retweeted
    SUS
    SUS
    @s_umarshehu
    ·
    22 Jun
    Sampaoli sold out this game! They were totally outrun in midfield. How can someone normal pick Mascherano ahead of Biglia and Banega
    1
    2
    You Retweeted
    Ser Duncan.
    Ser Duncan.
    @Dtackl3s
    ·
    22 Jun
    Imagine playing mascherano and Enzo Perez in this big 2018 when my man Ever Banega is in your squad..

    Sigh
    4
    You Retweeted
    Michael Owen
    Michael Owen
    @OwenTweets101
    ·
    22 Jun
    Sampaoli needs to go. You need to find a system to get your best players on the pitch. Higuain on the bench, icardi not even in the squad. Meza ahead of Dybala? Seriously? Also Perez and mascherano against Rakitic Brozovic and Modric. 3-0 was kind on Argentina
    #ARG #WorldCup
    3
    1
    You Retweeted
    Daniel Edwards 💚
    Daniel Edwards 💚
    @DanEdwardsGoal
    ·
    22 Jun
    How is it possible that Argentina persist with Mascherano in midfield when Barcelona saw almost a decade ago he had no future there at elite level?
    4
    5
    17
    Show this thread
    You Retweeted
    BlueZeta
    BlueZeta
    @Grummb_
    ·
    22 Jun
    Replying to @AxeIandZane2010
    And as usual the media is going to lay all the blame on him, and keep gloryfing mediocre players like Mascherano.
    2
    2
    5
    You Retweeted
    Atif
    Atif
    @Atifr_
    ·
    22 Jun
    Replying to @_chappleton
    Don’t know what Messi could have done when the formation meant Mascherano was getting most of the ball😂
    2
    1
    1
    You Retweeted
    (((Dave Meldrum)))
    (((Dave Meldrum)))
    @vicardave
    ·
    22 Jun
    I do feel for Messi. He deserves so much more. But the #ARG midfield was awful, especially Mascherano. #ARGCRO #WorldCup
    1
    2
    3

  133. Football is such a beautiful game when you keep the likes of Khedira or Mascherano away from it.Why was Paredes never called up? Lo Celso and Paredes – two players that can build and create (the one thing Leo needs); one’s sat at home, one can’t even get a minute ahead of a washed up Mascherano/Biglia. Pérez getting called up again despite being complete and utter sh*t.Otamendi only looks good for city (because of their style of play), mascherano is finished and plays in china, I have never heard of Mercado before this world cup, Benega doesn’t play, Di Maria doesn’t perform, Lo Celso doesn’t play, Rojo is shit and only Aguero performs.Sampaoli run more on the touch line than Javier Mascherano on the pitch.Remember when West Ham had Mascherano on the bench and played Mullins and Noble instead?! 😂 Mascherano and otamendi are too brain deadMascherano Centre mid hasn’t worked since Pardew signed him for West Ham 78 years agoro Abrar

    Enro Abrar
    Edit profile
    Enro Abrar
    @beingrealboy
    Success means nothing to me if it isn’t hard to get
    27 Following
    1.3K Followers
    Tweets
    Tweets & replies
    Media
    Likes
    Enro Abrar’s Tweets
    You Retweeted
    Westy
    Westy
    @JoelWeston9
    ·
    22 Jun
    Remember when West Ham had Mascherano on the bench and played Mullins and Noble instead?! 😂 Joke of a club
    2
    1
    11
    You Retweeted
    🇦🇷
    🇦🇷
    @Iam_MBoss
    ·
    22 Jun
    Mascherano has no football brain
    2
    You Retweeted
    antonio 🇦🇷
    antonio 🇦🇷
    @antoniodematas
    ·
    22 Jun
    Can mascherano do anything besides foul men facing their own goal
    1
    5
    You Retweeted
    Ciaran Ellison
    Ciaran Ellison
    @Ciaran_Ellison
    ·
    22 Jun
    Mascherano Centre mid hasn’t worked since Pardew signed him for West Ham 78 years ago
    1
    4
    You Retweeted
    XS237 [GST🌍]
    XS237 [GST🌍]
    @23XStream
    ·
    22 Jun
    no creativity at all from this argentina midfield..
    mascherano is a destroyer, hard worker but creativity isnt his best quality.

    enzo perez is just muscle but no brain.

    where is banega? lo celso??

    dybala?

    also that defense is hilariously bad.

    messi is in trouble 🙁
    3
    3
    You Retweeted
    OLU LOCO
    OLU LOCO
    @tope414
    ·
    22 Jun
    How Mascherano start in Midfield for Argentina is a mystery. My God! He can’t make a forward pass to save his life.

    What kind of punishment is this?
    2
    2
    You Retweeted
    s
    s
    @SaaadBaigg
    ·
    22 Jun
    The whole left midfield and wing of Argentina is full off bums.. And when Mascherano is trying to dictate your game you know you’re shit.
    2
    2
    You Retweeted
    BarçaNation 🇦🇷
    BarçaNation 🇦🇷
    @FCBNation93
    ·
    22 Jun
    You have the best footballer in history BUT your system is made for him to not receive the ball, always to Mascherano instead. Sampaoli 🤦‍♂️🤮
    2
    You Retweeted
    ITS ASTONISHING ITS ABSOLUTELY WORLDCLASS
    ITS ASTONISHING ITS Really can’t believe people think a team that starts Biglia Enzo Perez and Mascherano in mid is seen as a top team. Yikes. That’s like Barcelona starting Mascherano Gomes and Paulinho.
    5
    10
    37
    Show this thread
    You Retweeted
    EchoChambers Are Bae by Gene Peterson
    EchoChambers Are Bae by Gene Peterson
    ·
    21 Jun
    I honestly don’t know how you need creativity of some sort and pick Mascherano over Banega.
    I also don’t want to believe that there are no decent young Argentine creative CMs.
    4
    1
    You Retweeted
    Evan Lerena
    Evan Lerena
    @Evan_Lerena
    ·
    22 Jun
    What the hell line up and formation is this from Argentina?

    Where are Dybala? Di Maria? Pastore? Biglia? Garay? Benega? Rojo? Gomez? Icardi? Lamela?

    Why is mascherano playing midfield??????
    Embedded
    3
    4
    You Retweeted
    gjć
    gjć
    @1GAFC
    ·
    22 Jun
    Mercado = not centre back
    Taglafico = not centre back
    Acuna = winger
    Salvio = winger
    Mascherano = centre back playing midfield
    Meza = he’s shit

    Messi has a great team 😍
    1
    4
    5
    Show this thread
    You Retweeted
    Diego Guerra
    Diego Guerra
    @diegodcg
    ·
    22 Jun
    So, Argentina: keeper is a Chelsea bench warmer. Fullbacks are actually wingers playing in the Portuguese league. Central defenders from Ajax and Sevilla. An ancient Mascherano makes up the midfield with a player from a mediocre River Plate. Meza is a 26 years old with 3 caps.
    1
    2
    4
    Show this thread
    You Retweeted
    Neo
    Neo
    @NeoLichaba28
    ·
    22 Jun
    Mascherano rubbish DM, he was good 8-9 years back, smh.
    4
    You Retweeted
    Chubbziano
    Chubbziano
    @SChubbz
    ·
    22 Jun
    imagine trying to win anything with Mascherano as the controlla
    6
    4
    You Retweeted
    R O’Mocain🇮🇪
    R O’Mocain🇮🇪
    @rmlarsson7
    ·
    22 Jun
    How did Mascherano have a career with big clubs? He is useless.
    Better players at Junior league clubs over here.

    #robbedaliving

    • Totally agree mate. Mascherano in midfield is pure garbage. He excelled once at Liverpool, solely as a destroyer. That’s it. During his time at Barcelona, he improved his technical skills a bit (playing as a centreback ofcourse); staying calm and composed in possession (to his limit) in particular. I give you that. And he was a decent centrehalf most of the time at Barca.
      I don’t mind him as a centrehalf but not as a midfielder.

    • People blame Biglia for his side pass but they forget Paredes did the same thing in the match with Italy. He almost gave the Italians a free goal but fortunately Insigne pulled a Higuain. He lost the position after that.
      With that I never think using other players will solve our problems. The system and chemistry can’t be built overnight. If Paredes, Lo Celso, or Dybala played, they would probably be hunted for their heads now after bad results.
      Blame the lack of a continuous plan and strategy, player this player that won’t help!

      • Everyone know that AFA’s a mess and we had stupid coaches ruining players’s career for more than 2 decades ( Sabella did a fantastic job. No doubt about that. I’ve haven’t seen a more solid Argentina defence in my life than Sabella’s. In fact it’s the only soild Argentina defence I’ve seen. But he too had issue with player selections. His early selections raised many eyebrows. However he did put up a great first 11 finally. But his WC bench quality was mediocre. There was nobody in the bench who could come up and change the game. Ultimately that cost us.)
        And Sampaoli is no different. Trying to play expansive possession football with the wrong set of players. We don’t have decent centrebacks or fullbacks that are needed for that system.( We have Otamendi who’s a fraud & Rojo who is an enigma, Fazio who had a good season,but he’s also not reliable like the others. Only decnt centrehalf we had is sitting at home right now along with the new ones Mammana(unfortunately injured) and Pezzella). Still he choses that.

      • I remember we all criticized Sabella for his squad selection. Even our defense played solid in 2014, people were not happy with Demichelis, Fernandez, or Zaba. Fans are greedy and emotional. We always have something to be unhappy with.

        • Demichelis surprised us all. Evryone thought it was going to be a disaster but he proved everyone wrong. He had lots of critics including myself. But thats the spirit. I admire him for that. I wish some of our current deadwoods had his teancity and mentality. ( he also had a great 2nd half of the pl season with city that year prior to the WC)

          • demichelis had an awesome season with man city and his stats were more superior to company, but they media made demichelis to be a joke, when company made much more mistakes

          • Otamendi had a great season with City as well, this time. He also played decently in the first two matches. People still give him shit.
            I prefer Fazio over Rojo to accompany Otamendi but I think there must be a footballing reason that Fazio didn’t start.

  135. Argentina became world champion with River Plate GK and now River Plate GK Armani staring 1st of our next 5 knock out matches, Argentina winning🏆

  136. Just to think Sampaoli picked Meza, Acuna, and Perez over Banega, Dybala, Lo Celso and Higuain amazes me plus he was playing Mascherano in CDM which he hasn’t played there since his LFC days (12014 was the year. That was the chance. Sabella had a perfect system for Argentina. I respect Sampaoli but you cannot try and play possession based football like Barça, with Enzo Perez and Mascherano in midfield. That just doesn’t work.the bright side, if Mascherano can still be selected for Argentina while he is losing teeth in China, then Messi’s final World Cup can be Qatar. Unless my man just announces his retirement for real this time, next week.Since you asked, my team against Nigeria would be:
    Armani; Mercado, Otamendi, Fazio, Tagliafico; Lo Celso, Banega, Acúña; Messi, Agüero, Pavón. Screw Mascherano, screw Biglia, screw all sideways passing defensive midfielders who went out of fashion in 2009.Messi worked his ass off to make this team reach the WC, only to depend on 38 year old Caballero and the midfield of Mascherano – Enzo Perez at the tournament.

    Unluckiest & best player ever at the same time. Achieved so much but could’ve done so much more with a bit of luck.Put Mascherano in CB and take him out the midfield and put people who can actually play midfield. Put Lo Celso and Banega with Messi in front of them with Povan, Agüero and Dybala up front….. And take that piece of shit out the goal

  137. Decent enough line-up I suppose?
    I hope Enzo makes room for either Dybala or Pavon during the game and then it would be a better line up!
    With Pavon playing in the left and Banega and Mascherano pulling the strings, with Messi FINALLY having support from Di Maria on the right, this looks good!

    Vamos Argentina!!!!

  139. All the Friends Club in this line up, I would say, this won’t happen. There is no even one fast player in this line up. Defense of Otamendi, Rojo and Mercado (red card waiting) is a bad combo. Higuain as the sole striker: well when will we ever learn? Di Maria, Banega, Mascherano= midfield poison, and Enzp is too old and carrying injury. This is full house of Friends Club !

  141. Despite the horror experience so far and with all the negativism, we are gonna win 4-2. I assume Nigeria won’t park the bus and finally Messi & Co

    Surely, this team is still not our best, but much better than the previous two – mainly with the system, GK and the CM (Banega here). CM position is crucial position for Messi and the team. No idea how Sampaoli got it so wrong.

    I hope the three subs would be 3 of Aguero, Lo Celso, Dybala & Pavon

      • They didn’t park the bus, but we had so many self conflicted errors:
        1) Formation of 3-5-2
        2) Team issues – due to that Messi was down
        3) Caballero
        4) No proper CM

      • What did sibonelo buthelezi
        sibonelo buthelezi
        @shenge4official
        ·
        24 Jun
        Replying to @barcacentre and @RoyNemer
        As long Mascherano is still on first eleven they will suffer
        1
        8
        BarcaTimes
        BarcaTimes
        @BarcaTimes
        ·
        23 Jun
        Reason being, a good holding midfielder is hugely important to any team. And when you play Mascherano in a position he never plays it’s not just going to magically work. He’s a CB not a midfielder. That’s why I think Lo Celso is definitely needed against Nigeria.
        4
        4
        44
        Show this thread
        BarcaTimes
        BarcaTimes
        @BarcaTimes
        ·
        23 Jun
        Not only should Lo Celso start, but so should Benega. His creativeness was clearly lacking against Croatia and I don’t understand he was not played at all during the game. Especially when Mascherano and that abysmal”midfield”, wasn’t working at all.
        4
        7
        56
        Show this thread
        Nuria Haro
        Nuria Haro
        @babyynurs
        ·
        23 Jun
        Mascherano was ripping into Caballero, calling him every name in the book so Pavon told him to stop that he already got it on the field, Mascherano then insults Pavon and Pavon just socked him in return
        1
        2
        5
        Show this thread
        MSH
        MSH
        @Msuleimaan
        ·
        24 Jun
        Replying to @RoyNemer, @verobrunati, and @TNTSportsLA
        Why Mascherano and Enzo Perez? Just play Lo Celso Biglia and Banega in the midfield.
        1
        8
        Gary Cotterill
        Gary Cotterill
        @gary_cotterill
        ·
        25 Jun
        Thanks to @Mascherano for being kind enough to answer my question today. Less thanks to @Argentina for demanding a photo of my Fifa accreditation afterwards, for daring to request his assistance.
        3
        C h i n k s 🇦🇷
        C h i n k s 🇦🇷
        @ChinksChinks_
        ·
        22 Jun
        I am deeesgusted. Croatia isn’t even great. The Argentines are just shit. How are you ”the most capped player” but giving the ball away?? With no pressure on you?Mascherano. Fuck.
        2
        8
        🌌
        🌌
        @skyx22
        ·
        22 Jun
        Mascherano as a DMF is harmful. He better plays a CB.

        Fight me, if Gattuso is a present day player, he’d be converted into a defender.
        1
        1
        1
        Charles F. Kane 🇳🇬
        Charles F. Kane 🇳🇬
        @Jvnco
        ·
        22 Jun
        So, who is disorganized now ehn ? @Mascherano #WorldCup #NGA
        1
        4
        1
        destroyed of Croatia????

  142. Hey naysayers, those shitty negativists from Argentina, let me tell you that tonight all of you will eat crow. Albiceleste will win by a margin of 3 goals. All of you who have been shitting all kind of negativity here will disappear from now on. Messi will become the MESSIAH now. Live with it!

  143. Nigeria Starting XI is : Uzoho; Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo; Victor Moses, Obi Mikel, Ndidi, Etebo, Idowu; Iheanacho, Musa. They will be playing 3-5-2 just like they played in the Iceland match.
    I hope this Argentine line-up can cope up with it. Will our formation be 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 ?

    • Compare the clubs our guys are playing and the Nigerians. On paper, we should crush them, but reality is often different. In previous WC’s we beat with 1 goal difference. Tonight we need more goals. I hope for an early brace to take the pressure off.

  145. Mascherano need to be dropped . Mascherano plays side pass always,predictive negative passes, less creativity or moving forward with ball,too slow for a 90mins game,lack of vision, awful shooting.

    • Not to mention his lack of character last game. 2 goal down and the choker gives up and start committing deliberate cheap fouls instead of trying to get back into the game. It’s not only shown by him but most of the other teammates too,especially Otamendi. If you say this is a one off incident, just look back at the final qualifier against Brasil.

  146. As per this Line up …. we are already on plane ✈️ to Argentina….. bye bye Wc 2018 … see u hopefully in Qatar 2022 if Sampaoli is out of course …. Fuck everything… Love u Argentina… so depressed 😭

  147. Fucking hell, tired of saying I hate the team selection, lets now support it. So this time, will actually go out an say this is shit. Fazio was needed. Higuain should not be in any starting 11 ever. Aguero, Dybala and Lo Celso, the game changers other than Messi and ADM missing. F*** u Samp, Messi and Masch. Rant over, now lets see if this turns the tide in favour of my beloved team. Go Arg !!!

  149. I look to the Sky and pray, it has to be done this time pls ALLAH.
    Grant us win with qualification.

    • I realize that I’ve been nothing but negative this whole week and I am sorry, so I’m gonna make this one post and refrain from posting for a wee while.

      Can someone please tell me how messi and his flying monkeys expect to win when they’re using the same personnel that disgraced the nation just 4 days ago???
      What the hell has celso done to be ostracized like that?
      You have capable players like Ansaldi, Fazio, Pavon, Dybala and the aforementioned Celso who have something to prove yet you go with the same losers/ amigos squad????? Honestly f**k the AFA, Sampaoli, Messi and his goon squad for breaking the nation and the fans’ hearts like that. The only silver lining here is that we don’t have to see some of these losers (those AFA a**holes are still there) ever again.

  150. How terrible must Lo Celso be to not get a look in over a half fit player who was only called up as a replacement.
    His confidence must be shot to pieces. Sampaoli needs to be careful because this neglect could have a knock on effect in Lo Celso’s season coming up.
    Anyway line ups done. Let’s go and win.

Comments are closed.