World Cup 2014 Report: Betfair customers losing patience with Messi-reliant Argentina

What a mess: Lionel was surrounded by mediocrity

They managed to scrape past the Swiss, but there has been no further support for Argentina for 2014 Winner, following another dire showing from Lionel Messi's supporting cast. Adam Shearwood looks at the reaction on the Betfair Exchange...

Another hurdle overcome, one more step closer to the trophy they covet, yet Argentina remain at the same odds as they were before the tournament began - 5.59/2. During this evening's Last 16 clash with Switzerland, Argentina's odds to win the World Cup drifted as far as 8.415/2, despite never trailing.

The lack of faith from Betfair customers appears to be in reaction to another incoherent performance from the team around Lionel Messi, who have been hugely reliant on flashes of brilliance from their star man to make it this far.

This time, Messi was provider, putting the ball on a plate for Angel Di Maria to coolly slot home in extra time following a goalless 90 minutes (13.5n/a to back pre-match). The goal was the undoubted highlight of the Real Madrid winger's performance: he had been wasteful throughout. So too, Gago, Higuain, Lavezzi... if it's not Messi, it's not happening for Argentina right now.

Will the winner of Belgium v USA be the one to stop La Albiceleste in the quarter-finals? Perhaps, perhaps not. They are likely, however, to find themselves significantly backed in by Betfair customers who view Argentina as a one-man team.

Messi's failure to score sees his rivals shorten for Golden Boot. James Rodriguez has been backed into favouritism, from 4.3100/30 before kick-off, to 3.65n/a now.

Messi's game-winning assist has kept him in the hunt for the Golden Ball. Certainly none of his teammates are likely to be handed the award for player of the tournament.