This is my last-shot at winning the World Cup: Messi
What's the story
Argentina's superstar Messi said that it is "now or never" for him and his team-mates to win the World Cup. 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia this summer. The 2014 World Cup finalists, Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in the final. They have lost two other major finals after that and are hoping they will set the record straight this time around.
Heartbreak
Argentina have lost 3 major finals since 2014
Despite being one of the best players, Messi has failed to lead Argentina to any title-glory. Argentina lost 2014 World Cup final and then suffered two consecutive losses to Chile in the Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. Messi had even announced his retirement, in frustration, after the 2016 Copa America defeat. However, he came back out of retirement to lead Argentina.
Quote
Messi says this could be his last World Cup
"It was tough because we weren't able to lift it. We've gotten to three finals. We feel that it's now or never. Because this is it, we have to think that this could be the last for this group of players." Messi said
Ageing group
Argentina's golden generation will be 30+ this year
Argentina's current top stars Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria and Mascherano are all in their thirties. Mascherano is even set to retire after this World Cup. Messi, himself, will be 35 at the time of the next World Cup in Qatar and he believes this is the last opportunity, for this talented lot, to win the World Cup.
Humility
Messi says Argentina are not the favorites
Despite having one of the best squads, Messi has ruled out Argentina as the favorites to lift the trophy. Argentina might have a plethora of attacking talent but the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner believes Spain, Brazil, Germany and France are above them. With this being their last shot at redemption, will the Albiceleste go-on to create history? We will have to wait and watch.