Argentina wouldn’t be at the World Cup if not for Lionel Messi but two games into the tournament and there are already calls for him to retire from the national team.

Argentina have just one point from two matches and Messi has struggled.

What makes things worse for Messi is that while he is failing to perform, Cristiano Ronaldo is having the time of his life.

For all of Messi’s struggles, it’s impossible to ignore Jorge Sampaoli’s management, which has been questionable at best.

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has played just 22 minutes.

That’s fewer than Enzo Perez, who was only called up to the squad after Manuel Lanzini suffered an ACL injury.

After playing against Barcelona or Argentina, it’s pretty much expected that one player will ask for Messi’s shirt.

Rebic didn't want Messi's shirt

But that was never going to be the case with Croatia’s Ante Rebic.

Rebic, who scored the opening goal in Croatia’s 3-0 win, has revealed that he was so disappointed in Argentina’s conduct that he chose not to ask Messi for his jersey at full-time.

"To be honest, I wanted to get Messi's jersey for my friend, who is a big fan of Leo," the 24-year-old told Goal

"But the Argentines made such a bad impression on me that I gave up on asking Messi for his jersey.

"Honestly, I expected much more. At least of those players from the Premier League, who are used to a high tempo and duels.

“You saw Nicolas Otamendi - in the fourth minute Mandzukic passed by him and he was rolling on the floor. 

“I am disappointed by their behaviour and lack of fair play, not to mention how they provoked us.

“An athlete should know how to deal with defeat."

Sounds like Rebic is pleased to see the back of Argentina.

Croatia are already through to the knockout stage of the World Cup.

And Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Iceland on Friday leaves the three remaining nations in with a chance of joining them.

Argentina must beat Nigeria to have any chance of progressing.