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Get them out of this Mess

Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala train as Argentina fight to rescue their World Cup hopes

Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria were also in action ahead of games against Uruguay and Venezuela

LIONEL MESSI led Argentina training as Jorge Sampaoli's side prepared for their crunch World Cup qualifiers.

Sergio Aguero, Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria were among the other big names staying sharp at the session in capital city Buenos Aires.

 Lionel Messi in training with Argentina
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Lionel Messi in training with ArgentinaCredit: AFP
 The Barcelona star was joined by Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero
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The Barcelona star was joined by Manchester City striker Sergio AgueroCredit: Reuters

Messi, whose Barcelona side are going through a tough time despite the recent acquisition of Ousmane Dembele, was at one point seen deep in conversation with boss Sampaoli.

Aguero also looked keen to get in on the action just two days after coming off the bench for Manchester City's last-gasp win over Bournemouth.

The Etihad striker had faced a police probe after a steward alleged he hit him - but Aguero was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.

He will be hoping to make the 1986 World Cup winners' progression to Russia a formality.

Argentina face an uphill battle as they currently sit fifth in the South American qualification group.

They have four games left - the first of which will be against Uruguay on Friday.

 Lionel Messi was deep in chat with manager Jorge Sampaoli
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Lionel Messi was deep in chat with manager Jorge SampaoliCredit: AFP
 The Argentina striker knows his side face an uphill battle to make the World Cup
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The Argentina striker knows his side face an uphill battle to make the World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano were put through their paces in Buenos Aires
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Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano were put through their paces in Buenos AiresCredit: .
 Lionel Messi looked like he had some things on his mind during the session
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Lionel Messi looked like he had some things on his mind during the sessionCredit: AFP
 Lionel Messi alongside Lanus striker Lautaro Acosta
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Lionel Messi alongside Lanus striker Lautaro AcostaCredit: AFP
 Lionel Messi goes up against Javier Pastore in the session
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Lionel Messi goes up against Javier Pastore in the sessionCredit: AFP

A home fixture against Venezuela next Wednesday then follows.

As it stands, Argentina would enter an intercontinental play-off against the winner of the Oceania region of qualifying, which is likely to be New Zealand.

Conspicuous by his absence was Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain.

West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini was forced to withdraw through injury.

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