Argentina, What you gonna do?

Argentina is a very interesting team to analyze prior to this World Cup. This is a team coached by arguably the best and most controversial player of all time. When they announced Maradona as their manager a few years back, it seemed like they were putting all their amazing eggs in the basket of a man who was last recognized as the overweight Argentine that did so much coke that they banned him from all competition. But now, this is the man to lead the team with the best player in the world into the 2010 World Cup. After barely even making it into the World Cup Finals, many are questioning Maradona's managing capabilities and if he has what it takes to take this team to the next level.

I feel like these guys are true contenders. They have, in my opinion, the best frontline in the game. Obviously led by the brilliance of Messi, they also have the extreme heart and passion on Man City's Tevez, the sheer goal scoring abilities of Milito and Higuain, and the magical touch of Aguero. It's almost too many options for Maradona to deal with--how is one to use such a complete arsenal of firepower?

My ONLY request is that you do not do what your predecessor did: bench Messi, even for a second. I think it's obvious to everyone in the world that that was an incorrect decision against the German's in the quarterfinal of 2006 that will forever plague José Pekerman. I do have a bias here and feel that Tevez along with Messi could be a completely shocking combination. These two guys, when on the same page, have exactly what it takes to produce some of the most magical football we've ever seen.

Until this point, Messi has not come close to showing his true talent on the world stage. Yes he's won everything possible on the club level, but critics claim that the international scene is hard to break in to and many are pessimistic about his international ability. I think that this 22 year old phenom has a chance now to prove that he should be considered one of the greats and will show brilliance in the cup. That being said, a sincere part of me thinks that 2014 Brazil will be an epic showdown between the Argentines and the Brasileiros.

I'm excited to see what Maradona can do with his insanely skilled attackers, but am truly excited to see these guys in the next world cup when they have a new coach, a new tradition of winning, and can secure a World Cup Championship for these soulful players. In my opinion Messi will win a World Cup and Tevez can be the one to have the heart and desire to lead them to victory. While their midfield may not be extremely powerful, back line a little porous, and goalkeeper not necessarily world class, I like their chances in this world of parity and really like their chances in the future.