Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli admits their World Cup hopes will hinge on Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Sampaoli is close to Messi and insists he's working with the best player the game has seen.

"I know which players I can count on after we have cleared the pressure of qualification. I have the best in the world, the best in history," enthused Sampaoli.

"We are sure we have the team to get out of this group."

Argentina learned on Friday that their World Cup group will consist of Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria.