Lionel Messi is currently playing in his fifth World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, having first appeared for Argentina at the 2006 World Cup.
However, despite being widely regarded as one of the best footballers ever, Messi has never won the World Cup in his previous four attempts.
He reached the quarter-finals with his nation in his first attempt, while just 19-years-old. Four years later, in South Africa, Argentina got knocked out at the same stage, although Messi had plenty more opportunities to go deeper into the tournament in the future.
Indeed, 2014 offered the best chance he has had in his career. Argentina won all three group games - against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria - before defeating both Switzerland and Belgium in the last 16 and quarter-finals.
A goalless draw against the Netherlands in their semi-final encounter took the game to a penalty shootout, with Argentina progressing after Messi, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Garay and Maxi Rodriguez all dispatched their spot-kicks.
However, defeat to Germany in the final put paid to Messi's dream of lifting the World Cup trophy, something he is desperate to put right in Qatar.
He was awarded the Golden Ball, though, given to the best player at the tournament. His four goals and an assist meant he won the award in somewhat controversial circumstances, with plenty of critics suggesting he shouldn't have received the accolade.
Four years ago, in Russia, Argentina were knocked out in the last 16 by France in a pulsating 4-3 defeat. The South American side could still face France in the final at this year's tournament, though, with Messi on top form and looking for revenge.
In total, Messi has played 24 games at the World Cup, scoring ten goals.
He has only ever played once in a semi-final and once in a final - both in the same year - and in order to win the World Cup and lift the Jules Rimet Trophy on Sunday 18 December, he will need to lead his Argentina side past Croatia in the semi-finals, and one of either France or Morocco in the showpiece event.
