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Javier Mascherano has warned his Argentina team-mates they cannot just rely on Lionel Messi as they bid to reach a first World Cup Final since 1990.
The South Americans face Holland in the semi-finals in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night but have yet to produce a truly convincing performance on their run to the last four.
Messi has been Argentina’s inspiration so far with four goals but Mascherano admits the rest of the team must start delivering.
The former Liverpool midfielder said: “Leo has rescued us in a few matches but we can’t just rely on him. The team should be there to support him just as we were against Belgium, when he controlled the game with everyone’s help.
“That’s what we’re aiming for: even though we know we have great individual players, the team comes first.”
Despite needing a penalty shootout to win their quarter-final against Costa Rica, Holland have been one of the most impressive teams of the tournament and Mascherano admits Argentina will have to be at their best to beat the runners-up from four years ago.
He said: “This Dutch team have got a lot of experience and they’re hungry for success after losing the final in 2010, so we’ll have to be on our guard. We’re excited and we feel strong. We know we can put in another good performance.”
