5 top friendlies to watch out for during the international break

#4 Argentina vs Russia

Messi is central to anything that La Albiceleste wish to achieve in the Mundial

Throughout Argentina's World Cup qualifying campaign, the team garnered only one positive headline: "Messi's hat-trick secures World Cup place for Argentina." Such is the dependence of the Albiceleste on their talismanic number 10.

That brings us to the most puzzling aspect of Argentina's performances: a severe lack of goals despite boasting some of the world's best attacking talents.

Aguero, Dybala, Higuain, Icardi and Di Maria have all been unable to replicate their club form at national level, and there is simply no chemistry between the forwards.

Jorge Sampaoli was brought in to correct the deficiencies in the team, and has so far been unable to rejuvenate a side that has been disappointing over the course of the campaign.

His insistence on keeping Dybala on the bench has incurred the wrath of the Argentina fanbase. Sampaoli would be wise to use these friendlies to devise a system that accommodates both Messi and Dybala.

Icardi has been ruled out of the squad with a knee injury, but Aguero makes a return to the team for this fixture.

Russia aren't the easiest of teams to face at home, and Argentina have an opportunity to acclimatise themselves to the conditions. With only a few games to go, time is running out for Sampaoli to get his stars to perform at their very best.