Messi: I'm struck by how many people want me to win the World Cup Argentina Discusses press relationship and potential retirement

The 2018 World Cup is a huge one for Argentina and, thanks largely to Lionel Messi's presence, there are a number of fans hoping they do well.

Speaking ahead of friendlies with Italy and Spain, the forward admitted that he feels a lot of pride when anyone backs himself and La Albiceleste in Russia.

"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," Messi said on television programme 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."

Much speculation has gone on whether it will be Messi's last tournament with his national team and he believes that, should they fail to win the World Cup, there will be calls for a number of players to retire.

"There is a feeling that much of this squad will be playing together for the last time," he noted. "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."

Messi has been unafraid to call out the press for their representation of the Argentina team in recent years, with episodes such as the Ezequiel Lavezzi-cannabis affair behind great tension between the squad and local media.

"They were already saying things out of place, things that have nothing to do with sports," he added.

"They say that, if we play well, if we play badly, if it is a disaster, that we don't have to be there, but already they get into our private life and other things that are lies.

"Not only [Lavezzi], but a lot of barbarities have been said so they can win a fight."