Messi takes centre stage as Argentina begin World Cup bid

Four-times world player of the year Messi spearheads an Argentine attack including Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria which is likely to give opposing defences plenty of problems throughout the tournament.

The South Americans are bidding for their third world title as they begin the tournament against an inexperienced Bosnia side who will look to Edin Dzeko for goals in the Group F match at the Maracana.

France should fancy their chances against Honduras in their Group E opener in Porto Alegre but the Central Americans will hope the former champions' penchant for erratic performances opens the door for an upset.

A first-ever meeting between Switzerland and Honduras could be instrumental in deciding who finishes second in Group E where France are seen as likely winners and Honduras are considered rank outsiders.

(Reporting by Michael Kahn, Editing by Ed Osmond)