Squad strength pleases Messi

Messi: Expects positive showing

Lionel Messi believes that, on paper, Argentina cannot be matched by any of their World Cup rivals.

Diego Maradona's side were far from convincing during their qualification campaign, making hard work of securing their place at the finals.

They were, however, able to stumble over the line and have arrived in South Africa among the favourites to taste global glory.

Having taken the crown in 1978 and 1986, much will now be expected of them when they set out on their quest to land the trophy on 12th June.

A favourable group which includes Greece, Nigeria and South Korea should allow them to establish some momentum before they tackle the knockout stages.

Their resilience will then be put to the test, with many questioning whether Argentina really are capable of going all the way.

Bringing the best out of mercurial playmaker Messi will undoubtedly be key to their efforts, with the Barcelona man widely regarded as the best player on the planet.

Pressure

He is by no means the only top talent in the squad, though, and the reigning World Player of the Year is adamant that Argentina have the ability to beat anyone on their day.

"Player for player, there is no better national team than ours," he said.

Messi is aware that he will enter the tournament with the hopes of a football-mad nation resting on his shoulders.

The 22-year-old is taking it all in his stride, though, and insists he will not be putting any added pressure on himself.

"At this stage I don't have to prove anything," he added.

"I've come here to do things well for me and for my team-mates."