Juan Roman Riquelme says Argentina can win the 2018 World Cup in Russia if Lionel Messi is at his best. More here.

After battling through qualifying, Jorge Sampaoli’s men are not considered among the strong favourites for Russia 2018.

However, Riquelme, who was capped 51 times by the national team, believes Argentina could contend if Messi performs, having been drawn in Group D alongside Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria.

“We hope that we do well, that the players do well and above all Messi,” the Argentinian told El Trece.

“If the latter happens, Argentina will have many chances to win. If Messi is good, nothing is complicated.

“I don’t know Sampaoli. It is important that Argentina can win the World Cup.

“We want to celebrate and when there are players as important as Messi, you depend on them a lot.”

Messi missed out on winning a sixth Ballon d’Or this year, with Cristiano Ronaldo instead joining him on a record five.