Lionel Messi's Argentina career has been marked by heartache and disappointment.

Considered by many as the greatest player in history, Messi has achieved everything possible at Barcelona but only has an Olympic medal for his efforts with his country.

While his international teammates haven't always been the strongest, Argentina fans have been left frustrated that he hasn't brought success.

Messi suffered heartbreak on the biggest stage in 2014 with defeat in the World Cup final, after two nondescript tournament showings in 2006 and 2010.

That near miss was then followed by two consecutive Copa America final losses with the second bringing about a shock international retirement.

International heartbreak for Messi

Of course, Messi has since reversed that decision but poor fortune has followed him to Russia this summer.

While there's still time for the 31-year-old to turn it around, he endured a gutting performance against Iceland by failing to score from 11 shots and missing a crucial penalty.

It has sparked another wave of criticism for the player and no less than from his home country where, at times, it seems he's not appreciated as much as he should be.

Messi's mother delivers sad interview

And now Messi's own mother has spoken out on the matter and, frankly, it's rather sad to hear.

Celia Messi explained: “We suffer the criticism Leo receives when they say he doesn’t feel proud when he puts on the Argentinian shirt or that he plays for his country out of obligation.

“It’s not true. If you saw him, like we’ve seen him, suffer and cry. It hurts you to hear things like that.

"His dream is to win a World Cup. It’s what he wants the most."

Learning of Messi's pain and tears behind close doors from the criticism and heartbreak is painful to hear, no doubt about it.

Football fans would love to see Messi claim victory with Argentina, ending the hoodoo and silencing the doubters in the process.

And although that looks an uphill battle now, he won't give up and his mother has confirming that he's giving his all to take home football's biggest prize.

"He looks calm to me. I told him to do what he knows best, to enjoy himself and I’ve told him all his family are supporting him," she continued.

“All his family are supporting him. I would give everything for this to be his World Cup."

May the team win but, let's be honest, part of all us would love to see Messi pull it off.

Do you think Messi is the greatest player of all time? Have your say in the comments section below.