Tonight's action sees Argentina travel to face Spain at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid. As two favourites for the title in Russia, pressure is mounting on both sides for their star performers to rise to the occasion in three months time. Particularly for the visitors who have a seemly embarrassment of riches in attack, giving coach Jorge Sampoli a selection headache. However, Al Goodman tells us, weather its Sergio Aguero, Gonzarlo Higuain, Paulo Dybala or Mauro Icardi leading the line, Lionel Messi's place is always a certainty.

The name is Messi. Lionel Messi. When you think of Argentina's national football team, think of Messi. If you don't, opponents certainly will. Now at age 30, Messi has led his club, FC Barcelona, to Champions League trophies and Spanish league titles while picking up five Balon d'Or distinctions as the best footballer on earth. Although Argentina has won the World Cup twice, Messi never has. Now, with the next edition in Russia this summer, he and coach Jorge Sampaoli are especially hungry. 

JORGE SAMPAOLI ARGENTINA COACH "I can't tell you about my anxiety. But I can say I'm working every day so that Argentina can be competitive in a tournament that really is going to be difficult."

But Argentina's host for this friendly match in Madrid is Spain, also considered by many to be a contender for the World Cup title. Spain won it more recently than Argentina, in 2010 in South Africa. There are fresh faces now, but still some veterans from that team on this squad – midfielder Andres Iniesta, who kicked the World Cup winning goal – or defender Gerard Pique. But new - is the coach, Julen Lopetegui. He's been on the job less than two years. But Spain haven't lost once under him.

JULEN LOPETEGUI SPAIN COACH "It's going to be a beautiful game. Argentina is in a great moment, and we're playing against the reigning runner-up in the world."

There may well be more pressure on Messi and Argentina to win this year's World Cup.

This Argentine sports journalist says it's been 32 years since they last took the trophy home.

ANDRES ELICECHE LA NACION DIGITAL SPORTS EDITOR "There's no obligation to win the World Cup because no one can guarantee that. But the pressure increases when you have the best player in the world on your team."

Argentina arrives for the match in Madrid after beating Italy 2-nil in a friendly last week. But Messi didn't play, due to what was called a minor muscular problem. Perennial power Italy, of course, didn't qualify for this World Cup. Spain comes to this match after a 1-1 draw against reigning World Cup champions Germany, in a friendly played in Duesseldorf.

AL GOODMAN MADRID  "It's supposed to be just a friendly match here at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, between Argentina and Spain. But these two great World Cup contenders, each facing their own pressures, may not be the best of amigos on the pitch. Al Goodman, CGTN, Madrid."