For most people around the world, you need certain things to be one of the best, if not the best in what you do. While many people have their belief on what is necessary to succeed, in football, knowing that is so much easier. One thing which most people are particular about would be the need to win trophies for the international team. Without this, you would really just be another player. This is the problem which Lionel Messi faces with Argentina and many of the fans that watch him every day. So this match against Venezuela is a crunch match for him and Argentina. However, Venezuela would be one thing which would be out to spoil the party.

Venezuela

Compared to other starts, Venezuela start was a pretty good way to start. In a group which contained the likes of Brazil, they would go on to win a game and then draw two. Five points were enough to guarantee them a ticket to the next round and now, they get to meet Argentina. War of their opponents and also understanding that Argentina has been in really bad form or the quality in their play has significantly dropped, they would have to find the balance between respect and fear in this match. Argentina’s road to this point is far more complicated than Venezuela.

Argentina

Argentina has developed a knack for not concluding their qualification plans before the last game of the group stages and they didn’t disappoint here either. Having to post their opening game to the resilient Columbia, they went on to claim victory over Qatar who would have been pleased with their efforts in this tournament. This came after a draw to Paraguay who has been kicked out of the tournament by Brazil to keep their hopes alive and to give their star man dreams on fire. However, it is not his only dream at stake. There is no player in that team who would no doubt looking forward to winning the first trophy with their country. However, Argentina's form would surely not be the right form for their race towards the title.

Form

Two wins are the number of wins which the Argentine has been able to get in the run-up play to the tournament and even after it started. Argentina has also experienced certain setbacks in terms of the number of games which they have lost so far. The match against Venezuela is surely a must win for them. If they lose, they would be facing a similar situation which many Argentinians are already used to for the past few years.

Three wins for Venezuela and they surely look like having a better record at the moment than Argentina. However, they have also suffered some fundamental flaws. These flaws have led to two losses which could have been avoided and a loss n the same space of time. Winning against Argentina would take them to the semifinals and give them a chance of winning a medal. That should be enough motivation.