Diego Maradona will aim to find the ideal blend right in time for Argentina's World Cup opener against Nigeria with so many attacking options. Even though it was very difficult for qualifying for the FIFA World cup, because they won only eight out of 18 matches and finally found the perfect attacking partner for Messi in Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuaín. But with the deep pool of talent in Argentina's attack, Higuaín has to be on top of his game to get the starting nod. He's competing in a depth chart that includes big names such as Sergio Agüero, Carlos Tévez and Diego Milito, just to name a few.
Argentina is deep and talented at every position. Its greatest strength is easily its attack, where FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi is the clear standout. Messi was in extraordinary form in leading Barcelona to a record-breaking six titles in 2009, which included the UEFA Champions League, the Club World Cup and Spain's La Liga.
However, Messi's form with the national team has been a different story. The 22-year-old hasn't been a fraction of the player he is with Barcelona and has been heavily criticized. La Pulga ("the flea") is more than aware that he has underachieved for Argentina, but his global reputation means he will have no choice but to get it right at the World Cup.
Liverpool star Javier Mascherano will wear the captain's armband in South Africa, but 34-year-old playmaker Juan Sebastián Verón will coach the side on the field. After missing out on the '06 World Cup -- then coach José Pekerman preferred Juan Román Riquelme to fill the playmaker role -- "La Brujita" will take part in his third World Cup and, in the absence of Riquelme (who retired from the national team after a dispute with Maradona), will be expected to be Argentina's main link between midfield and attack. Like a fine wine, Verón seems to get better with age, and the two-time South American Footballer of the Year will be responsible for orchestrating Argentina's best attacking moves in South Africa. His influence likely will determine the impact made by Messi.
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