'You have to think about what Leo means to the world'

According to Zanetti, Argentina's failings at the World Cup were no surprise, with the controversies surrounding Argentinian football in recent years proving the worst possible environment to prepare for a major tournament.

"It wasn't a good World Cup and that was to be expected given how things have been for the last four years," he told TyC Sports'. "There has been changes of manager, changes of directors, they qualified in the final game.

"They didn't arrive with cool heads to be able to have time and work well," Zanetti continued, before having his say on national hero-turned villain Lionel Messi.

"Lionel Messi continues to be the best in the world. It wasn't a good World Cup for the team and if the team doesn't work it makes Leo's job more complicated. We have to realise all that he means to the world of football. You have to think about that," he concluded.