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When it rains it pours

Lionel Messi: Barcelona star pictured training in the rain as Argentina look to save their World Cup hopes against Colombia

A 3-0 hammering in Brazil left Argentina's chances of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia hanging by a thread

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ARGENTINA are desperate for a win against Colombia to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.

But it looks like even the heavens are conspiring against Lionel Messi and Co as they trained in torrential rain.

Argentina captain Messi doesn't exactly look in high spirits ahead of the clash with Colombia
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Argentina captain Lionel Messi doesn't exactly look in high spirits ahead of the clash with ColombiaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Messi gestures to team-mates Angel Di Maria and Ramiro Funes Mori
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Messi wipes the water of his face as Angel Di Maria and Ramiro Funes Mori look onCredit: Reuters

Argentina lie sixth in World Cup qualifying and a point outside even a play-off position after being hammered 3-0 by Brazil in Belo Horizonte.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, Barcelona's Neymar and Tottenham reject Paulinho all got on the scoresheet for the Brazilians, with commentators in South America calling it the most one-sided clash ever between the eternal rivals.

After the match, Messi said: "We have to get out of this s**t situation."

Messi's Argentina were humbled in Belo Horizonte
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Messi's Argentina were humbled in Belo HorizonteCredit: Getty Images
Brazil v Argentina - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier
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Philippe Coutinho, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus celebrate during the 3-0 winCredit: Getty Images

They face a crucial match against 3rd place Colombia in San Juan and know that if they fail to win they could drop down to 8th.

No-hopers Bolivia and Venezuela are already effectively out of the discussion but the other eight of South America's ten sides all have a chance of making it to Russia.

The top four will go through automatically while the 5th place side will face a playoff against the winner of Oceana qualifying, which they'd be strongly expected to win.

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