Argentina's hopes are in Leo Messi's hands

Today is when Argentina's World Cup gets underway. In Argentina, all their hopes and dreams rest at the feet of at the man wearing the number ten on the back of his shirt and captain's armband. This is when the World Cup kicks into overdrive as Messi, the greatest footballer on the planet - perhaps of all time - makes his debut in Russia and everybody will be tuning in to see it.

With Messi being 31, this could be his last attempt at winning the World Cup, but if there's one thing we've learnt over the years it's that you can't predict what the Argentine is capable of. However Messi will approach this as if it's his final opportunity to win the World Cup, as who knows what could happen between now and in four years time? This is Leo's moment to add the one trophy missing from his illustrious career.

Messi is arriving at this international tournament in the best physical and mental state he's ever had. The 2014 final in Maracana was a slap in the face that isn't easily forgotten but he has overcome disappointment with Argentina before to raise his game time and time again, such as in the Copa America finals. Last season was sensational, winning LaLiga and the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, as well as scoring a hat-trick to ensure Argentina qualified for this tournament in Russia.

The number 10 will equal Diego Maradona by appearing in four World Cups and at his optimum level in terms of maturity and his emotional state. He is a leader, but one which doesn't need to shout and bark orders, different to previous occasions. Messi is better in every way, more complete in every level. The only doubt is whether his growth and improvement will be enough to hide the constant managerial changes which we've seen with Argentina.

Argentina are made up of two generations and Messi is the glue which binds them all together, a mix created by coach Jorge Sampaoli, who has created a mini revolution with his squad selection. This is his great test as a coach. Sampaoli has respected most of the players which have come close to winning three titles with Argentina, improving Otamendi, Mercado and Banega but also adding freshness to the squad with Meza, Salvio, Tagliafico, Pavon and Lo Celso.

Iceland have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They will want to spoil the party. There are aspects of Argentina's game which aren't quite right and the underdogs will look to exploit them. But for all the things which Argentina are perhaps lacking, they do have Lionel Messi, and no one else in world football does.