The Barcelona forward has the whole country relying on him, with many tipping him to lead Argentina to glory in the same way Diego Maradona did in Mexico 28 years ago.
Argentina are once again among the favourites to lift the World Cup, but the pressure is on for Alejandro Sabella's side to begin their Group F campaign with a victory.
Blessed with attacking talent, but with questions marks remaining over their defensive capabilities, Argentina's biggest test could be finding a way to play to their strengths against a Bosnia side tipped to surprise at the tournament.
These two teams last met in November, when a brace from Sergio Aguero was enough to hand Argentina the victory shortly after Bosnia had secured their place at the finals in comfortable fashion.
Bosnia head into the match confident having recorded victories in two recent warm-up fixtures, but they remain big underdogs against one of the favourites, and the challenge of finding a way to stop Messi will be a tough one.
Edin Dzeko will be trusted to score the goals for Bosnia, who have the ability to change formation seemingly at will under Safet Susic to provide another test for Argentina in Rio.
Recent form
Argentina: LDWDWW
Bosnia and Herzegovina: WWLLWW
Possible starting lineups
Argentina: Romero; Campagnaro, Fernandez, Demichelis, Rojo; Mascherano, Gago, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Aguero
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Begovic, Spahic, Mujdza, Salihovic, Sunjic, Hajrovic, Pjanic, Besic, Lulic, Misimovic, Dzeko
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