Argentina's Alejandro Sabella: Lionel Messi is the most explosive player in ... - Goal.com

alejandro sabella (argentina coach)

Sabella has made no secret of his admiration for the 24-year-old, and one of his first acts after taking over the Albiceleste helm was to give Messi the captain's armband. He has been repaid by two goals from the No. 10 in the opening four World Cup qualifiers, breaking a two-year competitive drought for the national team.

Speaking on Monday evening, Sabella praised Messi's ability to change a game in the blink of an eye, a skill he believes is unmatched by any other player in world football.

"[Messi] is the most explosive player in the world," he affirmed to FoxSports.

"He is key in our plans. We have to create an atmosphere on the field which allows him to make the difference. He gives you hope that, every time he receives the ball, he can do something special."

Continuing his analysis of Argentina's stars, Sabella talked about Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and veteran Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme; confirming that both were firmly in his plans.

"[Aguero] has a lot of quality and he is playing very well. He is smart and dangerous. We do not have to worry about our forwards, they are all terrific players and the three, including [Gonzalo Higuain] are in excellent form.

"[Riquelme] is a possibility. He gives you an alternative in the playmaker position. We would have to look at the specific opponent, his form and his relationship with Messi."

The Argentina national team will not play again until 2012, with the next scheduled match an away fixture against Switzerland on February 29.