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#1 Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Argentina endured a dismal start to their World Cup campaign after a 1-1 draw against Iceland which also saw a missed penalty from the Argentine phenomenon, Lionel Messi. The 31-year-old forward has regularly scored 30+ goals every season for club side Barcelona in La Liga. On the international stage, his career seems to be cursed after losses in the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the Copa America finals.
The Argentine sensation for over a decade who has revolutionised football for years to come with his skill and ability has faced criticism on the international stage repeatedly. With regards to Argentina, many believe Messi feels pressure and stress to carry the team in moments of need like he has for the past decade at Barcelona.
The disappointment after their Copa America final defeat to Chile in 2016 led him to retire from the Argentina Football team. He decided to reverse his decision 2 months after due to never-ending requests from his beloved fans.
Following their humiliating start to the 2018 World Cup campaign where they drew 1-1 against Iceland and faced a crushing 3-0 defeat against Croatia, the Albiceletes are now facing a do-or-die situation in their final group match against Nigeria.
All hopes will be on the Argentine maestro to save his nation from a heart-breaking early exit from the World Cup. Single-handedly or with significant contribution from his team-mates, Messi will need to rise to expectations and turn around his poor form in Russia if he is to silence his critics.
