Debate: Can Argentina Cope Without Lionel Messi?

Experimentation by Sabella went further than this though. Faced with the twin towers threat posed by Bosnia strike pairing Vedad Ibisevic and Aguero's Etihad colleague Edin Dzeko, Argentina went with a back five. Napoli defender Federico Fernandez was operating like a sweeper at times, invoking the traditions of double World Cup winner Daniel Passarella. This tactic had the desired effect €“ another clean sheet for Sabella's side and Aguero won the battle of the Man City strikers by bagging a decisive brace. Dzeko worked Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal on occasion, but was vastly outshone by his diminutive club teammate. Aguero first profited from Palacio's clash with Bosnia and Stoke City stopper Asmir Begovic by tapping in the loose ball when it broke to him. Rodriguez later picked him out with an exquisite ball over the top. Aguero let it bounce and scored a sumptuous volley. Between these two key moments in the match we saw another side of him, however. Aguero kicked out at Bayer Leverkusen's Emir Spahic, and may have been fortunate to escape with a caution. In competitive matches that behaviour results in red €“ just ask Wayne Rooney. Temperament aside, Aguero certainly filled in for Messi in the Argentine attack against Bosnia. Higuain has the scoring pedigree at the World Cup with four at the last tournament. Messi has surprisingly only scored once on that grand stage. Palacio, Lavezzi and others need to do more to push this trio to create a real sense of competition. Forward-thinking talent is never in doubt when it comes to Argentina, so their ambitions may rest more on the defence and getting the balance right. As for Messi any team he plays for, club or country, is far better with him than without. Have your say on Argentina's recent performances below.