Messi is quick and highly skilled

There's something strange about Argentina's World Cup team. His name is Lionel Messi.

The 18-year-old FC Barcelona forward had already been dubbed the "next Maradona." However, around Argentina's training camp in northern Bavaria he's also being called "La Gran Incognita" The Great Unknown.

He didn't play in Saturday's 2-1 opening victory over Ivory Coast and hasn't spoken openly to reporters since the team arrived in Germany two weeks ago. And a right thigh injury picked up three months ago in the Champions League may not have healed completely.

At a team barbecue last week, he swept by cameras and reporters after smelling several sides of beef on a huge grill. His response to several screamed questions was: "Yes, I'm very hungry."

"I think Messi is the main question every Argentine is asking about, and every soccer fan," said Jorge Barril, who is covering Argentina for ESPN's Spanish-language service.

"We really don't know if he has recovered 100 per cent from this injury.

"I think the coach wants to protect him from getting caught up in the frenzy of the World Cup. But Argentine fans want him to play." Monday's practice was typical.

A dozen long-lens camera focused on Messi at the far end of the field during a dribbling drill with fellow striker Julio Cruz. Often he sits alone, juggling a ball with both feet from a seated position as he chats with his longtime friend 19-year-old backup goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

Messi has been a mystery in Argentina since he left at age 13 to play for Barcelona's youth team. He's quick, highly skilled and most Argentines describe him as a "media punta" a blend between a pure striker and a central midfielder.

Former Barcelona coach Carles Rexach said he's the only Argentine he's ever seen with Maradona's dribbling talent.

But he's never played for an Argentine club. The first most Argentines saw of him in person was just under a year ago when he played for Argentina's national team against Peru at River Plate stadium in Buenos Aires. He scored his only goal in six games for the national team in a 3-2 exhibition loss to Croatia.

Messi's problem is Argentina's depth. The two-time champions are carrying six forwards - one more than most teams - with Messi vying with substitutes Rodrigo Palacio, Julio Cruz and Carlos Tevez for a place behind starters Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola. Tevez, of Brazilian champions Corinthians, has also been called a "Maradona in waiting."

Messi, who turns 19 later this month and wears No. 19, has racked up the superlatives. He was chosen the best player in the World Youth Championship a year ago. He's the youngest to ever score for Barcelona, the Spanish and European champion.

In his debut with Argentina 10 months ago against Hungary, he was sent off on a red card after less than one minute - an Argentine national team record.

"These days, Messi is the player who generates the most expectations among Argentine fans," said Elias Perugino, a reporter with the Argentine magazine El Grafico.

"We know Pekerman values him, he just hasn't played him."

Few know Messi better than Pekerman, who coached Argentina to three World Youth titles before taking over the senior national team in September 2004. Argentina also won in 2005 with Messi leading the way, this team coached by Pekerman's assistant Francisco Ferraro.