MADRID (Reuters) - Argentina's Lionel Messi looked on from the stands for as long as he could, but with 10 minutes remaining he had seen enough. Without him against top level opposition in Madrid, Argentina wilted and to describe their defending as haphazard is generous. “Argentina is going to be living in torment from now until the World Cup,” former international Jorge Valdano said on Spanish radio station Onda Cero. “Messi’s the only reason that anyone is even giving Argentina a sliver of hope of winning the World Cup. However, judging by Tuesday's performance he has already achieved a lot in helping Argentina reach the finals.

Source: The Star March 27, 2018 23:26 UTC