That defeat also prompted uncomfortable questions about the quality of Argentina's defense, a problem that has been exacerbated by the injury-enforced withdrawal of first-choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Replacing him will be one of Nahuel Guzman, Franco Armani and Willy Caballero, none of whom have significant experience of international football.
If Argentina are to have a successful World Cup, coach Sampaoli will have to draw on all his considerable tactical nous, exemplified by the way he led his Chile side to beat Argentina in the 2015 Copa America final.
The way Sampaoli's team contained Messi then may act as a suitable template for his current charges to reduce their dependence on their star man, as the Albiceleste seek to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
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