It just wasn't meant to be for Lionel Messi against Iceland last week.

For all his success at Barcelona, things haven't worked out for Messi with Argentina and they did little to show World Cup-winning qualities in their opening game.

The pressure is well and truly on as they move towards clashes with Croatia and Nigeria.

Messi registered 11 shots against Iceland, scoring from none of them, and also missed a penalty that could have changed the entire dynamic of the game.

The whole situation isn't helped by the remarkable form of Cristiano Ronaldo with whom Messi is so regularly compared. 

Messi heartache vs Iceland

The Portugal striker already has four goals to his name in Russia and unless Messi picks up his form in the coming games, those comparisons will look increasingly unfavourable.

As a result, his preparation for Argentina's next game against Croatia cannot have been comfortable.

Messi emerged before the photographers in mid-week for training, but has maintained a very low-profile ever since his immediate reaction on Saturday.

What Messi did on Sunday

Well, in the aftermath of the game, more information has emerged about Messi's activity since that difficult afternoon in Moscow.

The Argentina squad came together for a barbecue on Sunday to celebrate Father's Day.

However, Messi was nowhere to be seen.

According to the Independent, the penalty miss against Iceland 'hit him hard' and the 31-year-old 'could barely show his face' in the aftermath.

And while his teammates gathered for the barbecue, he decided to stay in the room he shares with Sergio Aguero all alone.

Although his own family weren't in attendance, it remains telling that Messi still decided against appearing in any capacity.

His Argentina teammates are believed to be worried about Messi's 'downbeat' move and have collaborated to try and lift him.

You've got to feel for Messi.

His entire international career has been punctuated with poor fortune and it seems his latest Argentina heartache has really got to him.

However, the dust is beginning to settle on that frustrating game against Iceland and Messi can silence the doubters with a good performance in Nizhny Novgorod.

Assuming his teammates raise their game around him, there's every reason to suggest Messi can turn on the style in potentially his final ever World Cup.

Fans would love to see him lift the trophy but, if nothing else, a few flashes of his brilliance would suffice.

Hopefully the Argentina players can lift him on and off the pitch.

Do you think Messi will turn it around at the World Cup? Have your say in the comments section below.