Argentina's No. 10 curse left in Messi's wake

There's a whole eight games left to play in South America's World Cup qualifying and Argentina find themselves on the brink, one point below a guaranteed ticket to Russia and one above elimination.

Trips to Brazil, Ecuador, and Uruguay remain after five points were dropped over the past week, which saw key man Lionel Messi out injured.

Argentina's qualifying results and who played at No. 10

1. Argentina 0-2 Ecuador (AGÜERO)
2. Paraguay 0-0 Argentina (PASTORE)
3. Argentina 1-1 Brasil (DI MARÍA)
4. Colombia 0-1 Argentina (DI MARÍA)
5. Chile 1-2 Argentina (MESSI)
6. Argentina 2-0 Bolivia (MESSI)
7. Argentina 1-0 Uruguay (MESSI)
8. Venezuela 2-2 Argentina (BANEGA)
9. Perú 2-2 Argentina (AGÜERO)
10. Argentina 0-1 Paraguay (AGÜERO)

Only one victory has come La Albiceleste's way in the 10 qualifiers when the Barcelona man hasn't led the line, claiming three wins from three with their captain in the side.

The curse that clouds over anyone filling Messi's boots has been noticeable of late, with Javier Pastore, Angel Di Maria, Ever Banega, and Sergio Aguero all given a chance in the No. 10 role.