2018 FIFA World Cup: Argentina to unveil provisional list this week

Just like Iceland who named its provisional list for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup at the weekend, Argentina will this week names its provisional list for the mundial.

Coach Jorge Sampaoli will release the preliminary list of 35 players just as former World Cup hero, Jorge Valdano believes the Argentine team are one of the favourites for the title in Russia.

“I generate expectations out of those who play well. once more Spain, in a methodical way has become an example; I expect things from Germany, I expect things from brazil because Tite is doing a great job. Argentina are among the favorites and let’s not forget that this generation are runners-up of a World Cup,” said Valdano.

He added: ““Messi is being asked for things you ask a team and not a single man. He is the great captain of this team and now we have to find a team that is capable of understanding the genius. It is not always easy to play with a genius and that is why it is very important for everyone to know how to strengthen that weapon (Messi) that distinguishes the Argentina national team. The competitiveness of the argentine players is seen every week in hundreds of different cases around the world, we are going to trust Argentina’s race and genetics.”

“If I were Messi, i would start the preseason for the world cup in Russia right now, taking into account that Barcelona no longer play big games. I would concentrate on reaching the world cup physically impeccable. There are many ways to go up against competition and also you can do a more demanding job during the week and play games with a bigger workload in order to get there (to the World Cup) in the best possible way,” the 1986 World Cup winning star said.