(Image source from: Can Lionel Messi repeat 1986 win this FIFA World Cup 2014})

After hauling a sensational number of trophies with Barcelona, Lionel Messi is all set to steer Argentina to a long-awaited win in the FIFA World Cup 2014 and cement his name among the all-time greats.

The four-time World Player of the Year has bagged a sparkling array of club silverware and has been hailed as one of the finest footballers ever. However, some believe he must cinch a World Cup to be truly considered a great.

As he readies to shoulder the expectations of Argentina to Brazil, his comparison with another Argentina great Diego Maradona, who inspired the nation to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, is inevitable.

His performance and win will largely depend on how well he handles the pressure. In Barcelona, he was a nonchalant young footballer who rose through the ranks earning a good name. But he never allowed success to get into his head.

He loved playing football, and a way to express himself. His confidence on the field was always in stark contrast to his otherwise shy personality. Praise, adulation, large crowds never mattered to him. He was always self-absorbed in outdoing the opposition with his tricks.

Now a matured footballer and father of an infant, Lionel Messi now lugs the hopes of millions of fans on his shoulder who hopes him to deliver this World Cup.

AW: Suchorita Choudhury