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Kenny Sansom tips Argentina for World Cup success

Kenny Sansom believes that Lionel Messi can guide Argentina to success at the World Cup in Brazil.

Former England international Kenny Sansom has backed Argentina to win the World Cup this summer.

Sansom turned out against the Argentines when they knocked out the Three Lions back in 1986 en route to winning the tournament.

That was the last time that the South Americans triumphed at football's biggest tournament, but with Lionel Messi among their ranks, Sansom believes that their 28-year wait for the trophy will end in Brazil.

"I think Argentina will win the World Cup this summer. Messi is so special [and] I think players want to perform for him," he told BBC Sport.

"I don't think that Argentina had that many world-class players in 1986 but when you have one really special player, like a Maradona, it can inspire everybody else and I am sure Messi can be the same."

The majority of bookmakers regard Argentina as the second favourites to win the tournament behind hosts Brazil.

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