Nicolas Tagliafico: Argentina Star Hails Messi As ‘Special Advantage’

• Leo Messi has been instrumental in Argentina's hunt for World Cup glory this year
• The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has bagged four goals en route to the semi-finals
• He will lead La Albiceleste against Croatia on December 13 at the Lusail Stadium

Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico has paid glowing tribute to talisman Lionel Messi.

Tagliafico, who has played a bit-part role in Argentina's journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, believes having Messi as a teammate is a 'special advantage'.

Messi has been in blistering form at the World Cup, finding the back of the net for the South Americans against Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Australia and the Netherlands, according to Olympics.

Ahead of La Albiceleste's next assignment against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, the 30-year-old Tagliafico extolled the abilities of the veteran striker.

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"For us, he is our captain; our leader. He is the one pushing us, motivating us. He is a special advantage on the pitch; we know we have Messi and it is the motivation for us," he said as quoted by GOAL.

Tagliafico admitted the team was happy to have Messi at the helm, and it was special for them to work alongside him to achieve a dream.

Ronaldo wants Messi to win

Ronaldo Nazario will be excited should Messi and his nation win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the legendary Brazilian has admitted.

His own country of Brazil, touted as tournament favourites, bowed out of the competition in melodramatic fashion after conceding a late equaliser and then losing on penalties to Croatia.

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With Argentina billed to face Croatia in the semi-finals, Ronaldo disclosed he would be conflicted should Messi win the Mundial, owing to the long-standing rivalry between La Albiceleste and his home nation.

Messi pays tribute to ex-coach

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Argentina captain Messi has paid tribute to former manager Alejandro Sabella, on the occasion of the one-year anniversary of his death.

Sabella was the South Americans' manager when they reached the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which they lost to Germany after Mario Gotze scored in the 116th minute.

The former Sheffield United player died on December 8, 2021, after a long battle with cancer and heart problems, according to Reuters.