10 Jul 2014

Argentina hoping for some more Messi magic

6:55 am on 10 July 2014

Argentina carry the hopes of a continent into this morning's football World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands.

After yesterday's Brazilian calamity Argentina are the only South American side left in the tournament.

There's little to separate the teams in terms of motivation, what could be the difference is a little bit of wizardry, whether from Argentina's star striker Lionel Messi playing the ball or the Netherland's gun coach Louis van Gaal playing the tactician.

The Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has recovered to take his place in the Argentina side and says the South Americans would love nothing better than some more Messi magic.

The winner will play Germany in Monday morning's final.