Results will give reason to Messi in Russia

What seemed a drama yesterday never seems as serious the next day. Lionel Messi and Argentina's draw against Iceland has taken on a different dimension after Germany, the current world champions, lost to Mexico and Brazil, the World Cup favourites, drew against Switzerland. 

So Germany begin with defeat, while Brazil, Spain and Portugal all begin with draws, the same as Argentina. The World Cup is a danger zone and beginning without a loss can now be interpreted as a small victory. 

A seven-game race has started and the opening match is just one of them; not the most decisive. Not at all. In fact, on many occasions it's the least decisive of all of them. 

Portugal won the European Championships two years ago after drawing all three games and sneaking out of their group in France. Italy, at the 1982 World Cup, qualified for the final phase after drawing three games as well. They won the tournament. 

These championships are full of experiences that serve to de-dramatise any result, just like Argentina's against Iceland. Messi's fallen many times and on so many occasions he's gotten back up, so writing off Argentina at this stage would be reckless. 

Of course it would be good if coach Jorge Sampaoli stopped picking via the hierarchy of players and picked a midfield more fitting for Messi. Playing both Biglia and Mascherano means they're almost uncapable of picking the first pass, which conditions Messi and Co's play. 

The World Cup has many obstacles and the team with the hardest head wins. The way you play is important, really important because miracles don't exist, but being mentally prepared to deal with adversity is the key to advancing in the competition. And Argentina, Spain, Germany and Brazil have already shown they are capable. They're teams that can build with each passing game.