World Cup 2014: 5 Things We Expect To See In The Quarter Finals

2. More Messi-Maradona Comparisons

The media pressure on Messi to deliver at this tournament has been unbearable. When Argentina are in action there's usually only one man spotlighted, every action he takes scruntinised and lauded over. And to be honest they are quite right to, apart from the first half against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Messi has been in superflous form with four goals, including a stunning last minute winner against Iran.

Messi has definitely carried Argentina so far with the likes of Di Maria and Higuaín failing to provide an effective support act. Messi€™s solo efforts are reminiscent of Diego Maradona€™s performances at the 1986 World Cup which included a brace against Belgium in his run to lifting the trophy.

Belgium will provide Argentina with a different test to what they have been up against so far this tournament. Instead of €˜parking the bus€™, Belgium will look to go forward and test a Argentinian defence that has looked nervy at points and Belgium definitely have the fire power that could expose that. But as Belgium push forward it will mean there will be more pockets for Messi to drop into and work his magic and if Messi performs Argentina will win.

If Messi can lead Argentina to their third World Cup then he will surely be regarded in the same level as Maradona. Let the comparisons commence.