Russian National Team boss Stanislav Cherchesov has opined that the Argentina squad depend so much on Lionel Messi, adding that they lost to Nigeria and Spain in pre-World Cup friendlies because of the absence of the Barcelona superstar.

The Super Eagles came from two goals down to beat the two-time world champions 4-2 in Krasnodar last November, with Kelechi Iheanacho, Brian Idowu and Alex Iwobi (2) on target for Gernot Rohr's side.

''Argentina's problem is that they are not psychologically prepared to play without Messi,'' Cherchésov told La Vanguardia.

''I'm not saying it's a team of one player, but they can not play without him. This was when, after the match with us, they played with Nigeria, and also lost to Spain. They depend on Messi. ''

The Argentina number ten and skipper has been directly involved in six goals (4 goals, 2 assists) in five appearances against the Nigerian national teams in the past.

The Super Eagles will battle Argentina for the fifth time in the group stage of the World Cup at the Saint-Petersburg Stadium on June 26,

Igho Kingsley

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