Messi’s last shot at immortality begins with Saudi clash

Lionel Messi's Argentina have an easy-looking start to the World Cup on Tuesday based on blistering recent form and opponents Saudi Arabia's history of drubbings in tournament openers.

The South Americans are on a 36-match unbeaten run with top scorer and captain Messi playing his fifth and last World Cup in search of the elusive honour that would grant him immortality at home alongside Diego Maradona.

"I see him as always ... eager to enjoy the World Cup," said head coach Lionel Scaloni, trying to ease some of the pressure on his main man. "He's enjoying his team mates, training sessions, the stay and the whole process."

But Messi, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, is running out of time and opportunities.

The Qatar extravaganza will likely be the last World Cup for both Messi and his long-time nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, believed by many to be the two greatest footballers of all time.

Unlike previous contenders for the title of greatest of all time -- Brazil's Pele and Maradona of Argentina -- at least one, and maybe both, will never lift football's greatest prize. Yet in the case of Messi, this may well be his best chance to win that elusive prize.

He cut a distraught figure in 2014 after Argentina succumbed 1-0 to Germany in the final in Brazil, even briefly announcing his international retirement in 2016.

He changed his mind and last year led Argentina to their first major title in 28 years, defeating hosts Brazil in the Copa America final by the same scoreline and in the same Maracana stadium where they had floundered seven years earlier.

Facing Messi today will be Saudi Arabia, who have their share of rocky World Cup campaigns, but midfielder Abdulellah Al-Malki insists he will not be overawed by the occasion.

"He's a legend and it's a dream for any player to play against him, but we represent Saudi Arabia and we fear no-one," he said.

Saudi Arabia are ranked 48 places lower than Argentina, lost to Venezuela, Colombia and Croatia in a mixed bag of friendlies, and have a dismal record at opening games including losing 5-0 to Russia in 2018 and 8-0 to Germany in 2002.

Yet they have pedigree too: this is their sixth World Cup, they reached the last 16 in 1994, and they made it to Qatar by topping their group ahead of Japan.

"I saw a country full of young, talented players. We achieved our first target, let's work together for the rest," said Saudi coach Herve Renard.

Both teams will be noisily and massively supported when they meet for the day's first game in the Lusail Stadium, the tournament's largest venue which will also host the final.

Thousands of Saudis will flock over the border while Argentina's traditionally large following will be swelled by a burgeoning fan base in Qatar and around the Middle East.

And both Argentina and Messi will hope to deliver for their fans both at home and Qatar.