Argentina is not reliant on Lionel Messi, according to coach Gerardo Martino, who also ruled Javier Pastore out of the team's clash with Brazil.
Gerardo Martino has slammed suggestions that Argentina is dependent on Lionel Messi.
A knee injury ruled Barcelona superstar Messi out of Argentina's opening two World Cup 2018 qualifiers, where defeat at home to Ecuador was followed by a scoreless draw with Paraguay.
The same issue means Messi is once again unavailable for the Thursday's clash with Brazil in Buenos Aires, as well as Tuesday's trip to face Colombia.
Argentina coach Martino is frustrated by claims that his side is too reliant on its captain, but admitted it is struggling in front of goal.