FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi has revealed which star he feels deserves to be part of Argentina's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad despite some difficulties with the national team.
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The Albiceleste booked their place in Russia after they beat Ecuador 3-1 in the final game of their qualification campaign, courtesy of a hat-trick from Messi on the night.
Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain was dropped by Jorge Sampaoli for his country's last two qualifiers, but Messi believes it is crucial that the striker is with them on the plane for the global showpiece.
"He is suffering for the national team, but he must be in it," he told TyC Sports.
"For me, he is one of the best No. 9s in the world. He demonstrates this every weekend at Juventus but does not play the same with Argentina
"The critics make him suffer, we have spoken about it many times.
"I believe that this period without the national team did him good. We spoke about it through messages, and it was a good thing that he had this period of absence. But he must be in the squad."
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Higuain has made 14 appearances in Serie A so far this season, scoring nine goals and assisting a further three strikes.
Do you think Higuain will be back to his best for Argentina come the 2018 World Cup? Have your say in the comments section below.
