... With a group featuring Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria, Argentina should progress without too much trouble. As the winner of its group, Argentina would likely face Switzerland or Ecuador in the second round, with Belgium, Russia or Portugal possibly standing in the way of a semifinal spot.
It's an accessible draw for Alejandro Sabella's side and the ingredients are all there for Messi to make his mark. "Let's hope this is Messi's World Cup," said former Argentina captain Juan Pablo Sorin this week. "It is his best chance — and he knows that better than anybody."
Now it's time for Lionel Messi to step forward and become the undisputed No 1 star of the 2014 World Cup, taking his place alongside Pele and Diego Maradona as an all-time great.
Messi, who left his home town of Rosario for Barcelona at 13... says: 'It is hard not to feel honoured when important people compare you with Maradona - he's the best there's ever been. My message, though, is please don't compare me with him yet. He won a World Cup for our nation, and until I've managed to do the same the comparisons are not something I welcome or accept.
'I know I have a responsibility, especially as captain, to the people of Argentina but I try not to let that pressure get to me. I approach every game - it doesn't matter if it is a Champions League final or a World Cup game - as I did as a child … and that is to have fun.
'I know the importance of the World Cup but if you approach games with a smile on your face and with the intention just to have fun on the field, then you often find things look after themselves.'
Brazil fans swarm Diego Maradona at World Cup
But when the hosts opened the match with an own goal, the Brazilians in the box moved away, Folha said.
"Guys, he's a jinx. I'm staying away," said one.
Diego Maradona slams Spain's Iker Casillas
'He had the worst game I've ever seen in my life,'