Messi's World Cup dream

Lionel Messi is determined to fulfil a dream by helping Argentina to win the World Cup.

Lionel Messi is determined to fulfil a dream by helping Argentina to win the World Cup in Germany.

The mercurial playmaker is aiming to overcome a thigh injury to play an integral role in his country's World Cup assault, although he is not due to start the opening game against Ivory Coast.

During the club season, Messi impressed for Barcelona and he admits he wants to enjoy sustained success at Camp Nou.

But Messi concedes his prime goal is to win the World Cup with Argentina to bring cheer to an entire nation.

"I've always said I'm very happy here and I would like to stay many more years and celebrate lots of success with Barcelona," Messi told Sky Sports.

"My ultimate dream is to win the World Cup and celebrate that victory with Argentina and make the Argentina people happy."

If Messi recovers from his current injury, he is likely to shoulder much of Argentina's creative burden along with Juan Roman Riquelme.

The youngster has also been compared to Argentine legend Diego Maradona, but he insists he does not feel under pressure.

"Not at all," he replied when asked if he felt the burden. "I don't feel under pressure when I'm out there on the pitch.

"Every time I play I try to enjoy myself. The comments people make don't affect me at all.

"It is nice to hear Maradona praising me. He is simply the best."

Messi also revealed that his rise to prominence over the past 12 months has not altered his personality and he is happy to be recognised by the public.

He continued: "I still do the same things. I haven't changed anything.

"The only difference is people now recognise me in the street and say hello and speak to me. Nothing else has changed at all."