Messi, Aguero & Three Argentina Stars To Watch Out For In Eagles Final Group D Game

Nigeria will square off against Argentina for the fifth time in the group stage of the Russia World Cup in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018, after both sides have played their first two games.

While faithfuls from both sides would be hoping the outcome of the group would have been more or less, decided before that final group meeting at the Krestovsky Stadium, it is fitting to pick out five of the Argentinians that can cause Gernot Rohr's men a whole lot of problems and make life difficult for them.

Lionel Messi: Without any iota of doubt, the five-time Balon d'or holder is the team's talisman and few would bet against him finding his way irrespective of the quality of opposition he is coming up against.

Coming off the back of another double-winning season with Barcelona where he picked up both the La Liga Pichichi award as well as the European Golden Boot, Messi is certainly enjoying the best of his peak years.

More so, the Rosario-born native has been directly involved in 6 goals (4 goals, 2 assists) that Argentina has scored against any Nigerian team (youth and senior level) in five appearances. Should the duo of Balogun and Troost-Ekong not find a way of shackling La Pulga, then things could get really messy.

Paulo Dybala: Another deadly weapon for this Argentine team is Juventus's attacker, Paulo Dybala. Dybala hit 26 goals across all competitions for The Old Lady last season — a stat which shows he can always be counted on to find goals even in the most tightest of defences.

His versatility across the attacking line could be another useful asset for Jorge Sampaoli as the 24-year old can not only lead the lines but can play out wide as well as drop a bit back as a support striker.

Sergio Aguero: While Messi will be dictating play all over from a free role, Kun is most likely to be the man charged with dispatching the goals for Argentina.

The Manchester City striker is well known for his dogged resilience and strength in spite of his pint-size and his ability to get onto the end of loose balls is a tactic that bodes well with the kind of game the Argentines play.

Last season saw him score over 30 goals for the Citizens in just 39 competitive outings.

Gonzalo Higuain: Pipita is undoubtedly synonymous with scoring goals, and bountiful amounts of them too. When he is at his best, the 30-year old is one of the best marksman around — the exact definition of a goalkeeper nightmare and the opposing defender's nemesis.

Higuain is one of the most experienced members of the Argentina squad and would be taking in his second World Cup adventure in Russia.

A 23-goal campaign with Juventus last season inspired the club to an impressive domestic double in the Italian first division.

Willy Caballero: Having earned the trust of Jorge Sampaoli following some impressive performances for Chelsea last season, the seasoned goaltender is set for an eventful world cup debut with the South American nation in Russia.

Caballero made 13 appearances for The Blues last season and was in between the sticks for the club last weekend when they beat Manchester United to clinch the FA Cup crown.
He would battle it out for a starting berth for the goal position with Manchester United's Sergio Romero and could be the one to be relied upon to be the team's safe hands in the competition.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : afa.com.ar