Lionel Messi will turn 35 during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so there's a concern that this summer's edition in Russia could be the Barcelona talisman's final chance to clinch honours on football's biggest stage.
The fleet-footed forward's international career has been tainted by heartache. The Albiceleste lost in extra-time to Germany in the final of the previous World Cup in 2014, and the two following summers each yielded runner-up finishes at the Copa America via painful penalty-shootout defeats to Chile.
The second of those losses
led Messi to emotionally declare he was "done playing with the national team," but he has since silenced some critics in his homeland by dragging Argentina to Russia. Now, he aims to inspire an underperforming generation of players to the country's first World Cup title since 1986.
"It's just the feeling that this group of players has. It seems that having reached three straight finals didn't mean anything. Obviously, we depend on results and unfortunately, we reached three finals and we didn't win them," Messi told La Cornisa TV, with translation from ESPN's Adriana Garcia.
"A lot was said about us. The criticisms hurt back then. But the demand is going to be there for this group to get it done. We think that if we don't do it, we are going to get a lot more (criticism) and we are not going to have another possibility."
Argentina isn't just Messi; it is a team awash with stars. For the upcoming sporting showpiece, Messi could be partnered by Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi, and Paulo Dybala in attack, with Lautaro Martinez headlining a youthful throng pushing for inclusion.
But it is Messi, one of the most recognisable figures on the planet, who is often leant upon to cast spells and deliver critical goals and assists for Argentina.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
"I've cried many times for lost finals," Messi said. "I cried for not being able to fulfil the dream of our nation. My desire is the same as every Argentine, which is to lift the World Cup."
He added: "I hope it's a great World Cup for us and that we are able to experience something similar to that of 2014, which was an unforgettable experience for the country, but this time lifting the cup.
"To win a World Cup is not easy. It doesn't happen often. The last time we did things well but due to minor details we didn't get it done. We are very enthusiastic and eager to lift the cup for our country. I hope God helps us and it happens."
Messi insists he tries to live day to day rather than be distracted by the pressures that surround the Argentinian squad while he's in the picture. From the evidence of his displays from Barcelona, he's doing a good job of focusing on club duties. He scored his 38th goal of the season with a neat finish from the edge of the penalty area against Athletic Club on Sunday and has been pivotal to the Blaugrana's incredible unbeaten run in La Liga this season.
Not only is he still scoring, he's a more selfless player in his 30s and is displaying leadership qualities that could prove instrumental in Argentina's bid for World Cup glory.
"Now I try to help the team play more and be less the finisher, in a way less selfish inside the area. I still run as I always did, but a different way," he explained.
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