One of the World Cup favourites needed an injury-time goal from Lionel Messi to spare their blushes on Saturday. They have sealed qualification from Group F but it was the manner of their display that raised eyebrows.
Going into the game with one of the most intimidating attacking formations in the business, with Messi joined by Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria, Argentina were scrappy going forward and left gaping holes in defence.
The 'Fab Four', as the quartet is known, looked more like a hastily assembled tribute act that were completely out of tune for most of the game and their victory was barely deserved.
Higuain and Aguero managed only one shot each in the entire game compared to Messi's six.
"We have to have a good look at what happened and try to improve. We have a few causes for concern," said Sabella.
One of those areas is Argentina'a work down the flanks with Aguero and Di Maria, whose combined worth is several times more than that of the entire Iranian team, proving completely ineffective against their unheralded opponents.
Higuain's own effectiveness as a striker was also brought into question with Sabella taking him and Aguero off late in the game in an effort to revive his front line.