Argentina finished as runners-up in 2014 in Brazil but are on the verge of missing out on the knockout stage in Russia after picking up only one point in their two Group D games.

"I’ve always had the dream of watching me raise the World Cup. And then seeing the emotion that goes with it. So we cannot give up on that dream," said Messi, who turned 31 yesterday.

"I have won all the most important tournaments but I am ambitious to the end. I would not like to retire from active football without being a world champion with my country," he added.

Two-time champions Argentina need to beat Nigeria in their final Group D match in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.