Lionel Messi will play in one of the most important matches in his life on Tuesday evening.

Messi is accustomed to big matches; Champions League finals, El Clasicos - he even played in the World Cup final in 2014.

But an entire nation will be looking to him when Argentina face Nigeria at the Krestovsky Stadium in Russia.

Argentina need to win to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2018 World Cup after managing just one point from their opening two matches.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side sit bottom of Group D and have looked incredibly disjointed.

There are rumours that the players have lost trust in their coach, who has made a number of unusual decisions.

Paulo Dybala has played just 22 minutes while Enzo Perez started in the 3-0 defeat to Croatia despite only being called up to the squad as a late replacement for Manuel Lanzini.

Maradona's message to Messi

The weight of expectation on Messi’s shoulders couldn’t be greater.

The 31-year-old has received criticism from the Argentinian media for his lacklustre body language and inability to step up.

But he has received support from one Argentinian legend: Diego Maradona.

Maradona came to Messi’s defence after the loss to Croatia, admitting that he “has no one”, and he’s now offered some lovely words of encouragement ahead of the game against Nigeria.

"To Leo (...) I would like to speak with you and tell you that you are not to blame for anything. Absolutely nothing is your fault. I love you and I respect you like always," Maradona said.

The 1986 World Cup winner also reflected on his experience with Messi at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where he managed La Albiceleste to the quarter-final.

"Messi was exceptional under me at that tournament,” Maradona added.

Messi looked incredibly stressed even before the match against Croatia and the situation has only worsened.

So Maradona’s words will certainly be appreciated.

Argentina will reach the knockout stage if they beat Nigeria and Iceland fail to win against Croatia.

If Argentina and Iceland both win, then goal difference will determine who progresses from Group D.