Valdano: 'Messi is the solution... the problem is the team'

'La Albiceleste' drew 1-1 with Iceland in their opening Group D fixture with Messi missing a decisive penalty.

However, although the Barcelona forward didn't produce his best display, it was still significantly better than his team-mates and Valdano believes this is the heart of Argentina's problems.

He told 'Mundo Deportivo': "Messi is the solution and the problem is the team, which is not structured and doesn't have many solutions.

"It's a team that lacks rhythm with their touch, it's hard for them to overcome lines against an organised opponent and at the end they continue to give in to Messi's talent. Always waiting for some miracle from [him]".

Argentina will be hoping to turn their World Cup campaign around when they face Croatia on Thursday evening.