Messi's introspection could come to either make or break Argentina

In the wake of his penalty miss, Messi has withdrawn within himself. But his history suggests that this solitude is not the set-up for worse, but the prelude to something better.

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli accepted on Thursday the two-time world champions' chances at the World Cup in Russia will depend far more on Lionel Messi than his own influence.

Sampaoli was drafted in for Argentina's final four matches of a faltering qualifying campaign, but it was Messi's brilliant hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Ecuador in their final qualifier that ensured they didn't miss out on the World Cup.

The increasingly fanciful hope in Argentina was that this World Cup would bring Lionel Messi’s career peak, but the deepening worry around the squad is that it has already brought one of his worst lows in the game. They’ve never really seen him like this, as withdrawn and sombre as he has been in their Bronnitsy base over the last few days.

Saturday’s penalty miss against Iceland has hit him hard. The 30-year-old could barely show his face the next day. Although the Argentine staff had organised a family barbecue to celebrate father’s day, Messi didn’t go. He stayed in the room he shares with Sergio Aguero, alone.

It should be noted Messi’s own family were not there, as they don’t arrive until the next few days, so that will have increased his desire to stay away – but it was just as noteworthy that his wife Antonella felt the need for a public show of support on Instagram.