Argentina skipper Lionel Messi (right) shares a light moment with teammate Ezequiel Lavezzi during a training session yesterday ahead of their Friday World Cup qualifier against Chile at Buenos Aires. Pic/AFP

Buenos Aires (Argentina): The unthinkable prospect of a World Cup without Argentina or Lionel Messi could move a step closer to becoming reality on Friday morning as the South American giants prepare to face Chile in a crucial battle on the road to Russia 2018 in Buenos Aires.