Argentina’s quest of qualifying for the 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup is not going as smooth as it’s supporters wanted it and expected it to be as they are currently positioned at the 5th spot after 14 qualification matches with 22 points from all those games.
Argentina is competing in the CONMEBOL group which consists of: Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia and Venezuela. There are a total of 10 national sides competing for a top 4 spot that can allow them to directly qualify for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Despite having top players including: Messi, Dybala, Mascherano, Pastore and Higuain, Argentina has suffered shocking results and their latest one was when Argentina lost 0-2 against Bolivia.
In this defeat against Bolivia, Messi was believed to have verbally abused the referee of that game which ultimately saw him receiving a 4 match suspension which would see the star of Barcelona being unable to play in any of Argentina’s remaining qualification matches.
This 4 match ban was appealed by Argentina and FIFA has recently stated that they decided to lift the suspension which allows Lionel Messi to perform in the upcoming qualification matches of his national team against: Uruguay, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador.
Even if Messi does get perform in his full form for these approaching matches, it does not guarantee that Argentina will get positive results but it’s expected that he can certainly boost their chances of winning more matches and get enough points that can allow Argentina to snatch a direct qualification spot for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi and his squad are hoping that they can start securing points on a consistent basis, especially in their 4 final matches and climb above their current 5th spot which actually does allow Argentina to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but Argentina will have to play more matches and compete in the inter-confederation play-offs in order to secure their qualification.