When the team fell behind 1-0 on Thursday, few midfielders ran back to deal with Croatian counter-attacks. Instead, players were witnessed by the huge audience complaining about their teammates' faults on the field. A team falling apart will inevitably fall from the top.

There is still a shred of hope for Messi's World Cup dream. Nigeria defeated Iceland 2-0 Friday in the second round of group games, raising a slim possibility of Argentina entering the elimination period.

If the Messi wants to lead his team to advance to the last 16, they must smash Nigeria in its third group match first. The two Nigerian players John Mikel and Odion Ighalo, who played in the Chinese Super League, are good at playing counter-attack.

It would also be more favorable for Argentina if Croatia stay unbeaten against Iceland in the third round of group games.

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