The Secrets of Success - World Cup Edition: How Messi can lead Argentina and win the missing trophy

Argentina's route to the 2018 World Cup was a bumpy ride. They won just seven of their 18 qualification games, rattling through three different managers in the process. While Gerardo Martino was in charge for the start of the campaign, it was Jorge Sampaoli who eventually steered the Albiceleste to this summer's finals.

After a 4-2 defeat to Nigeria, Sampaoli moved away from the 3-3-3-1 he had previously favoured, implementing a 4-4-1-1 for March friendlies against Italy and Spain. While they beat the former 2-0, a 6-1 defeat to the latter proved that the team had not yet completely settled in their new shape. Fortunately, with the tournament drawing nearer, the starting line-up appears increasingly certain.