Despite Argentina's triumph against Italy in a friendly on Friday night, Nicolas Otamendi pointed out that the side struggled without the help of their five time Ballon d'Or winner.
The Argentina and Barcelona striker pulled out of the tie at the last minute, leaving the side to play Messi-less in the clash. "The most important thing is to hang onto the ball, but when Messi isn't there it's a lot harder," recognised Otamendi.
"He's a player that draws the opposition in. When he isn't playing we have to try to have more of the ball. We're getting better, but we still need to improve defensively," the centre-back admitted.