Argentina vs. Nigeria World Cup Preview: Messi or Super Eagle, a Simple Equation

Well, it was a thrilling first day of the World Cup, with the host almost edging out a victory in the dying minutes with Mphela's strike effort hitting the woodwork. France and Uruguay had a more subdued game down in Cape Town with a 0-0 draw which saw Uruguayan Nicolas Lodeiro sent-off after two yellow card was shown to him.

Today, the second day of the mega-showpiece we will hope to see some more interesting encounters with South Korea set to face Greece in Port Elizabeth at 13:30 (CAT), followed by the cracker between Nigeria and Argentina at 16:00 (CAT) and the much-awaited match between England and the USA at 20:30 (CAT).

But for now I'd like to preview the Argentina vs Nigeria clash, which will be played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Both teams are strong and have potential match winners, but one that stands out amongst the rest is World Footballer of the Year Lionel Messi. The Argentinian International whose been rated by many as one of the best of his generation, a wonder kid, magician...something out of this world.

But for the true football fanatics, Lionell Messi has not done enough on the international stage to be bestowed so many honours.

Yes, for his club FC Barcelona he has been superb. He's led the team to multiple cup victories and scored numerous goals in the last two seasons.

The difficulty for Messi has been to transfer that form into his national team, so the first question would be simply, is he getting similar support as he gets from the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and company?

Well, looking at the Argentinian lineup, the names roll off your tongue. Amazing talent, big name players, but this team just managed to scrape through qualifiers, how come?

Like France, who pose such great individual threat and squad depth, collectively they are a failure.

In terms of Messi, he needs to step it up, make himself more available. Key for Nigeria today will be their physical strength against him. If they learned anything from Inter and Mourinho, it would be to use that physicality as a positive tool.

Messi is not like many of the Argentinians. He's been in Spain since he was 11, so he is used to the more open approach, whilst Tevez and Palermo could be important in this match.

Like we saw yesterday, the Mexicans came out hard and fast—they just didn't take their chances and lost two points.

Nigeria, on the other hand, will have to look to be compact in the first couple minutes as they will also be nervous. Maradona will want his team to play a similar game like the Mexicans, quick inter-play and direct at goal.

From the Nigerians' point of view, the loss of Mikel in the centre will be vital. He has the experience to slow down the game and open up areas. Many underrate him at Chelsea, but that's just a case of Lampard and Co overshadowing his efforts, with all due respect to all of them.

Messi will look for support from Higuain, who will most probably start alongside Messi. I think what's important is for Messi not to think he has to do it himself, play as a team, and avoid falling into a trap, like what happened last night when Ribery tried to dribble every defender that stood in front of him, ultimately losing possession and drawing the game.

Playing as a team, moving the ball along the ground, and changing play is what Argentina is good at. They have the physical presence in their midfield and defence, so that won't be a problem apart from Messi, as mentioned.

Nigerian coach Lars Lagerback said in a statement, " We are playing Argentina, not Messi. So there will be no player given the special job to mark him."

Well its obvious no coach would prepare a team not focusing on the best players but he feels it's necessary to go into the match letting Maradona no his not scared.

Attack-wise, Nigeria will pose a threat with experienced forwards who could turn it up if needed, with Obafemi Martin, John Utaka, and Kanu, to name a few.

Meanwhile Argentina have a host of star names who are hungry for goals: Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Aguero, and Milito, all of whom are match winners and could play vital roles against different oppositions.

I would be surprised if Maradona doesn't start with Messi. Although I know many of you  would be banging your heads against the wall to understand my point, I feel Argentina has Greece and Korea, who are easier yet decent opponents.

Messi could struggle with the hard physical aspect, whilst Milito and Tevez are best suited for that role.

But it's the first game, and you don't want unnecessary problems, so we know Messi will be there. Maybe a wing role will better suit him as more of a supplier.

I don't want people to get me wrong here; Messi is a great player and I enjoy watching him play. His quick feet, his speed, and his ability to turn defenders is remarkable, but Inter exposed his weakness in lack of physicality. Yes, he's strong, but not used to the hard game. Many might disagree...

My predictions for this game, taking everything into account: Argentina 2-1 Nigeria