(Image source from: Argentinian players to watch out for this FIFA World Cup 2014})
With just 2 days to go for the the FIFA World Cup 2014 to begin, let's check out the talents in Argentina, one of the top title contenders for this year's title. With star players like Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Romero, Fernando Gago and many others in the squad, coach Alejandro Sabella is surely spoiled for choice. Let's take a look at three top Argentinian footballers to watch out for this World Cup Brazil 2014.
Lionel Messi
Although a player of rare skill and talent, Messi failed to shine in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. So 2014 is Messi's lone chance to make a mark on football's biggest stage and prove why he deserves to be ranked among the best of the bests.
At 26 and the peak of his career, the Barcelona maestro is likely to live up to all hopes. Argentine team won the qualifying group and is considered one of the title favorites. Even if Argentina fails to make a cut to the finals, watching Messi dart through opponents promises is likely to be one of the highlights of the World Cup.
Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain is going to be an seet to his team this World Cup. With over 121 goals across seven seasons, Gonzalo will be the mainstay of Argentina's attack and likely to be the team's top scorer. A clinical striker, Higuain was Argentina's top scorer at the 2010 World Cup with four goals, including a hat trick in a group match against South Korea.
Sergio Romero
Given Agentina's star-studded lineup, Sergio Romero is a seemingly low profile player, but the team's first-choice goalkeeper since the 2010 World Cup. While some worry that Romero is not at the top of his game currently, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella doesn't have too many options as backup Mariano Andujar has also been struggling to stay in the starting lineup at Italian club Catania.
The Argentina squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)
Defenders: Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Jose-Maria Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Enzo Perez (Benfica).
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan).
AW: Suchorita Choudhury
