Messi's Moment to Eclipse Maradona

Lionel Messi and Argentina finally take the field on Sunday, and expectations are high.

Alongside Brazil, Germany and Spain, Argentina was one of the favorites entering the tournament. With Brazil failing to entirely impress and Spain soiling themselves in their respective openers, a strong performance from Argentina can put Brazil's greatest rivals at the front of the pack.

For Messi, the World Cup is about the only trophy he cannot yet display in his cabinet and the one piece of silverware he requires to finally escape the shadow of the great Diego Maradona.

In 2014, Argentina's squad is stacked.

By most account, Angel Di Maria was the catalyst and game changer in the Champions League final. It was his impressive run that led to Gareth Bale's match winning header. Hidden behind the heroics of Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Maria put together the finest campaign of his career at Real Madrid, and that same level of play carried into Argentina's tune-up friendlies for the World Cup.

If Messi wants to escape Maradona's shadow, Di Maria needs to continue his strong play into the World Cup, and he's not the only one. Beyond Di Maria, Messi also has the supportive presence of Javier Mascherano backing up every play in the midfield. Perhaps the most impressive player in the tune-ups, the Barcelona-based midfielder shoulders a great deal of the burden and responsibility for the squad.

Jose Mourinho's exclusive World Cup analysis
Messi is not Maradona. No, he is something greater. Maradona may have taken the world by storm and led his Napoli side to two Italian league titles, but Messi has won multiple Champions Leagues and already succeeded on the club and individual level far beyond the man still widely regarded as the greatest Argentine to ever kick a ball.

At only 26 years of age, Messi has six La Liga trophies to go along with three Champions League titles. Add in four Ballon d'Ors, and Messi already makes a strong argument as the greatest player to ever kick a ball. In contrast, Maradona only managed two league titles with Napoli to go along with a UEFA Cup--modern day UEFA Europa League.

The only reason Maradona continues to be regarded as a greater player than Messi in his mother country is the 1986 World Cup. Maradona carried Argentina to World Cup triumph, and that one achievement continues to trump the numerous individual and club honors Messi has accumulated at Barcelona.

In the 2014 World Cup, Messi and his cast of compatriots have the opportunity to finally collect the one trophy that will end the debate.

The challenge starts against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday. With a talented front line in front of him, Di Maria alongside and Mascherano behind him, Messi is perfectly positioned to orchestrate the symphony that can finally capture the most respected trophy in world football. The World Cup is not a necessity for the magical man from Rosario, but the trophy would serve to provide him the respect he deserves in Argentina.

In Barcelona, Messi is already the greatest to ever play the game. Worldwide, he is considered the premier player in the sport, and even opponents have taken to bowing down to him. Still, one crown jewel escapes the little man, and until he can lead a World Cup parade in his home country, he will forever fall in the shadow of Maradona.

In the group stages, Messi and Argentina face a trio of teams that are not projected to go far in the tournament: Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. With a win on Sunday, the most formidable opponent of the group stages can be conquered. Facing the likes of France, Switzerland, Honduras or Ecuador in the round of 16 provides Argentina a relatively easy trip to the quarterfinals.

When facing the final eight, the World Cup offers no guarantees, but Argentina is one of the favorites for a reason. That reason is not Sergio Aguero, Di Maria or Marscherano; that reason is Messi.

With an easy draw, a cast of in-form teammates and a continent on his side, Messi can finally eclipse the great Maradona. Worth mentioning again, Messi is only 26-years-old.