Argentina rallies behind Messi ahead of crunch clash

NIZHNIY NOVGOROD, Russia - Argentina is rallying around captain Lionel Messi as the South American giant prepares for its crucial Group D clash with Croatia on Thursday.

Messi made an unhappy start to the World Cup last Saturday, missing what would have been a winning penalty as Argentina was held to a 1-1 draw by minnow Iceland.

It was a result that has renewed doubts about Argentina's ability to mount a sustained challenge at this World Cup, four years after it reached the final in Brazil.