Set to represent Argentina at his fourth World Cup, Javier Mascherano has said that his nation's successes in Russia will depend heavily on the form of talisman Lionel Messi.
He told the Guardian: “One wishes for this coming World Cup that Leo [Messi] can be the best version of himself, because the aspirations of the whole squad depend on this version.
"It’s clear Leo conditions our collective performance; I hope as his teamu2011mates we can meet his standards.”
As his country's most-capped player and one of the oldest members of the squad, Mascherano is an experienced head that commands respect in the team.