Lionel Messi has acknowledged that this summer's World Cup finals could be the last chance for him and his international teammates to write their name in Argentina folklore.

The Barcelona forward has been heralded as the greatest player of all time in the eyes of many, having won countless team honours at Camp Nou and five Ballon d'Or crowns on a personal level.

International silverware has so far eluded Messi, though, as Argentina have finished runners-up in the Copa America on three occasions and also lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final.

As the days tick down to Russia 2018, the 30-year-old is now desperate to go one better with this talented crop of La Albiceleste players.

"I have seen everywhere how many people want it to also be a good World Cup for me, that there is a desire to see me win it," he told La Cornisa. "The truth is that it has struck me, that in any part of the world they are waiting for Argentina to become the champions and for it to be given to me, it is impressive.

"There is a feeling that much of this squad will be playing together for the last time. It seems that having reached three finals doesn't help. Obviously, we depend on the results, unfortunately. And that is behind the thinking about this whole group, right? That we reached three finals, which unfortunately we couldn't win and many things were said about us.

"They don't think about us getting closer to becoming champions, [they think] that we won't have another chance. If so, they will ask that the entire group of players leave the national team."

Argentina are viewed as fifth favourites to go all the way by the bookies, behind holders Germany, Brazil, France and Spain.