Argentina attacks from Messi & Co

Argentina attacks from Messi & Co Brasil World Football 2014

ARGENTINA caplain Lionel Messi believes coach Alejandro Sabella has to back his side's attacking capabilities and include him among a front three when they face Iran Saturday m Belo Horizonte.

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain is expected to return to Sabella's starting line-up as the two-time winners look at seal their place in the second round of the World Cup with a victon' over Iran.

Higuain came on as a substitute to set up Messi to score just his second ever World Cup goal as Argentina got their campaign off to a winning start against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Rio on Sunday,

And Messi said he feels more comfortable playing with both Higuain and Sergio Aguero in attack.

"We are Argentina and I think we need to concentrate on ourselves without fixating on who we are playing, " said the four-time World Player of the Year. "We feel more comfortable with two up front and me behind because it makes it easier to counter-attack and. because we have more people in attack, we have more possibilities."

Messi eased some Of the pressure on his shoulders to finally deliver his best form at a major tournament for his country with his stunning effort in the 2-1 win over Bosnia.

However, his underwhelming first-half performance was still criticized by some and he admitted he needs (o play closer lo the opposition's goal.

"In the first-half I found it difficult to get a hold of the ball and when I did I was very far from goal.

"The truth is when I did have the hall I lost it ;t number oi limes and at other limes I was playing it backwards. I was annoyed at not being able to play the game I had planned."

Along with Higuain. Fernando Gago could return in midfield at the expense of Maxi Rodriguez as he too made a positive impression as a second-half substitute against Bosnia.