The 2014 World Cup runners-up are struggling to qualify for 2018, and the former playmaker says their star man's absence has not helped
Juan Roman Riquelme believes Argentina become just a "normal" team without Lionel Messi, as do Real Madrid when Cristiano Ronaldo is absent.
Edgardo Bauza's Argentina are struggling in World Cup qualifying, sitting fifth in the table with Messi having featured in just five of their 12 matches.
Riquelme, who made 51 appearances for his nation, said Messi's absence reduced Argentina to being just like any other team.
And he feels the same happens to Madrid, who are top of LaLiga, without four-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.