Switzerland vs. Argentina: Lionel Messi and Albiceleste Stars Who Will Shine

Argentina hasn't been in elite form, picking up just one win in its last three CONMEBOL qualifying games. The Albiceleste will try to get things back on track with a road victory over Switzerland in today's friendly match.

Here are three players who will have to step up for Argentina to emerge victorious. It's important the team develops some chemistry before qualifying continues in a couple months.

Lionel Messi

Barcelona superstar Messi continues to tear apart La Liga defenses to the tune of 28 goals in 24 games this season, but Argentina supporters would like to see him carry that form over to the national team a little more often moving forward.

Messi had a rough go of it at the last World Cup, scoring no goals in five games while chipping in just one assist. If the Albiceleste are going to be a legitimate threat in 2014, Messi will need to be a dominant force up top.

It's tough to figure out how somebody can seemingly score at will in elite club competition, but can't carry it over to national team duty. Look for him to use today's match as a jumping off point for better performances in the future.

Sergio Aguero

Aguero has developed into one of the English Premier League's top goal scorers after spending a handful of years in Spain with Atletico Madrid. He's found the net 16 times for Manchester City this season, showing his skills can translate anywhere.

He's received 33 caps for Argentina, scoring 14 times over that span. His physical presence alongside Messi would seem like the best of both worlds, especially once they become comfortable working off each other in the attacking third.

Even though Messi will always garner the headlines, Aguero provides the key to success by opening up more space for the dynamic star to work his magic. Look for a lot of quick passes between the pair today.

Maxi Rodriguez

Rodriguez tends to get lost in the shuffle behind all of Argentina's strikers, but he has a knack for scoring key goals when his team needs them most. It's always crucial to have a savvy veteran presence like that on the roster.

The Liverpool midfielder has scored 12 times in an Albiceleste uniform. He doesn't have blistering pace, but he's still able to control play and develop scoring chances. His consistency has helped the team succeed even when guys like Messi haven't played up to par.

Rodriguez has plenty of motivation heading into the clash because he wants to prove he deserves a spot on the squad for another World Cup cycle. That should be enough to push him to a strong outing.