Signs bad for Messi's last chance to emulate Maradona

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group D - Argentina vs Iceland - Spartak Stadium, Moscow, Russia - June 16, 2018 Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after the match REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's 31st birthday this weekend is an ominous reminder Russia may be his last World Cup and final chance to emulate fellow Argentine great Diego Maradona in lifting the ultimate prize.

The diminutive Argentine captain known as "La Pulga" (The Flea) has won every club accolade imaginable with Barcelona, but has agonisingly missed out on international trophies both at the World Cup and Copa America.