The Argentina star knows that the pressure is on his side to finally emerge victorious after several close calls
Argentina star Lionel Messi said the upcoming World Cup in Russia is the last chance for the current group of players to win a World Cup.
Messi and Argentina have suffered heartbreak in three consecutive major international finals: the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa America.
"I cried many times because of games like these, for lost finals, for what they mean and for not being able to achieve the dream of a country," Messi told Argentine television program "La Cornisa."
"They [the three finals] were tough blows, Messi continued. "It seems like having reached three finals doesn't help us at all."
With Messi now 30, the Barcelona star realizes that time is ticking away on his and his team-mates' chances of achieving something special together.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is aware that the upcoming World Cup in Russia could represent the last chance for him and many of his team-mates to finally lift a major trophy.
"We depend on the results, unfortunately," Messi said. "We feel that if we are not champions ... we will not have another."
The Barcelona star admitted that he dreams of lifting the trophy in Russia, after his country fell in extra-time to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.
"I imagine being able to be in that game, to win it, to be able to raise the cup," Messi said. "It's the dream I have always had and every time a World Cup comes it gets even stronger.
"I want to tell people that I hope it's a great World Cup for us, that my wish is the same as all of you and that we can live something similar to 2014, which was an unforgettable experience, and that the result is similar but this time raising the cup is everyone's dream."
Argentina will take on Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in group play at the World Cup, which kicks off in June.
Carl1996
271
If Argantina coach learned from Barca's coach Valverde how to use Messi , Argantina will win the cup.
ParthaMessi10
217
How many times you had cried it was me also done the same, because you are my hero.. my idol. You doing a fantastic job with your country, you bring Argentina every time. Hope the world cup dream will comes true at Russia this year. It's not only your dream but a fan like me and many others dream too! Love you big brother and wish you the best.
ChelseaQueen1
68
Leo I wish you can win it this time around although Brazil is always my international no.1 Favourite team.... more over this argument about Messi winning world cup is totally baseless.
hailesol
66
Messi, you are always the best for us! We love you unconditionally! Win lose or tie we love you until we die!
med97rico
57
This is it take it or leave it but I have faith in the King Leo 😍 #Visca_Messi
ab12678
55
Argentina will win this world cup for Messi
beautiful
52
no shade or hate but lets not beat ard the bush. messi would.never win the world cup. its as simple as that. anyone coming here to.argue ur wasting ur time cuz i wont reply. Am just stating facts and the fact is Messi would never win the world cup. so feel.free to.argue or disagree or so as u like. just know he would never win de world cup period.
wasim007
49
I don't really think it's Messi's last world cup..with the amount of talent , consistency,magic he has he can play the 2022 world cup too.. I really want to watch messi as many times as possible..
prakashcr7
47
Argentina has well organised team. They have high chance of winning the world cup. Their attack is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Icardi, Dybala, messi, Aguero, di maria no word for their attack. Argentina is more probable team for world cup. Their team is such a good that they can give tough compitition to Brazil, Spain, Germany, France and many more. And one thing this might not be messi last chance to be the world champion. He is just 31, lots of season is still to vo for him. Good luck.
Pinbdklu
46
he will do this this time around
AucasCampeon
39
I am rooting somehow for Argentina to win the World Cup 2018. If not for another South American team since I am a South American and I love South American football. For Messi it's very important to win the World Cup as it's the 1 and only big cup that is missing for him ? maybe together with Copa Libertadores? A read in the past that Messi would like to play his final years for Newels Boys ? If it's Messi's last World Cup ? I surely don't think so, he will surely play also in World Cup 2022 in Qatar but surely he will be passed his prime with 35 years old but still a dangerous player by then. But for Cristiano Ronaldo it could be the last World Cup for him ? Since he will be 37 in 2022 and it's not a very sure if Portugal will ever make it to the World Cup ? Anyway I really wish Argentina to win the World Cup cause back in 2014 the World Cup slipped slightly from their hands as I saw them having the better opportunities to score but somehow they couldn't score and in the last mibs of extra time Götze knocked Argentina out cold. It was really a bitter memory for me when I have to think about it.....😏
1Pradi0
36
You said it all right...it is the last potential chance for many of Argentine footballers... everyone in team should understand it and should always be on toes..It's a golden opportunity we have many great players like Angel, Dybala, Higuain, Icardi, Mashe, and many others... they all are in great form...they have to just play with open mind all time on the field and not getting bothered by any means and play united...Whole World wants Argentina to lift the WC...We all are with you...Never look at your feet look at the stars high up there...