Javier Mascherano has admitted that Argentina must overcome recent disappointment ahead of the World Cup starting in 20 days.
The Hebei China, who has just recently left Barcelona, told reporters: “It would be a mistake to already think about final.”
“We can’t be thinking about becoming World Cup champions, but about arriving as a group in the best way and generating trust that we lack today because of the situations we’ve experienced,” said the former Liverpool midfielder.
Most of the Argentina squad will have played in the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa America and 2016 Copa America Centenario for a country with Argentina’s high standards.
Argentina are without a major tournament win since 1993 where they won the Copa America.
“It’s fundamental to start the World Cup now, not go crazy thinking about a hypothetical final, and think about it stage by stage,” Mascherano said.
“The World Cup shows you the path that you should take along the way.”
Argentina play their first game on June 16, when they face Iceland in Moscow.
Injury-wise, Argentina have a couple who are slight doubts ahead of the Iceland game.
Manchester City striker and AC Milan midfielder Lucas Biglia have both picked up injuries recently.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero has been withdrawn from the squad after suffering a knee injury.
The Manchester United ‘keeper sustained the blockage to his right knee whilst training with the squad on Tuesday.
