Daily Times

Argentina will play Nigeria in Group D do-or-die match and all eyes are, quite understandably, on Lionel Messi.

The scenario is pretty straight forward; if Messi and Argentina somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of the hat, they will qualify for the knockouts, but if not, then Argentina will be going back home and Messi’s dream to win a World Cup might be over and out for good.

Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, but it is what it is for the little Argentine, who turned 31 a couple of days ago.

For some, a World Cup does not hinder Messi’s supernatural legacy in any way, but for others, if Messi fails to win a World Cup, he will never be regarded as the greatest of all time.

But, of course, the Argentina could not care less about opinions. All he wants to do is celebrate a major triumph in Argentina colours.

Having lost 4 major finals in his International career, accompanied by Argentina’s disastrous form of current, it appears as if Messi and International glory are just not meant to be. But when you desire something with utmost sincerity, you just won’t give up and that’s what Lionel Messi is all about.

Nigeria are not an easy task. Even if they are, they are not so for Argentina. It is going to be an extremely crucial 90 minutes and Nigeria would most definitely fire on all cylinders because a win against Argentina guarantees their qualification.

So, in a way, it is a knock-out fixture.

The bottom-line is; Messi has to fire. He has to perform like he did against Ecuador, when he pulled Argentina out of hot waters and helped them qualify for the World Cup 2018.

It is a similar situation, but the stakes are high. He’s fighting for his dreams. He might lose, or he might live another day, but this match and this World Cup might just be his last go at the trophy, so why not give it his all?

The good thing for Messi is; whatever happens today, will only last a lifetime.