Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella has claimed that every manager at the World Cup would want Lionel Messi in their side.

Sabella's team have laboured to victory in both of their games so far in Group F, and he has once again spoken about the importance of Messi's role in the squad following the 1-0 win over Iran on Sunday night.

"All the players contributed to the victory, but of course we have a genius who is called Messi," the Argentina coach told reporters.

"Fortunately he is Argentinian - everyone would like to have Messi but it is us who have him."

Argentina can secure top spot in Group F by earning a draw against Nigeria on Wednesday.