you look at players like Asexis and Pedro, and you see guys who regularly work their magic around the edges of the width of the box, and even beyond that in genuine wide areas. they can operate centrally, but primarily they don't, and that is why they are such a superb fit with Messi. even Villa has always peeled left and done well cutting in from that flank - so has been able to play well with Messi.
part of Argentina's problem is the inability to understand this, all their players clog the middle, which brings the defence all collapsing down onto a small area, making it impassable. hence Messi's struggling to have an impact as he is constantly having to try and negotiate his way past 6 defenders at the least.