World Cup 2018: Club-mates who will be rivals in the Group Stage

Lionel Messi vs Ivan Rakitic (Argentina vs Croatia)

Lionel Messi has dominated world football this decade and has racked up a host of trophies and individual accolades with his club Barcelona. Sadly though the same success has eluded him on the international stage as the Argentine legend has suffered heartache with three consecutive finals losses. This might be Leo's last attempt to win the elusive World Cup trophy.

However, Argentina who have been heavily dependent on the brilliance of Messi will have to do it the hard way around this time. They have been pitted with the likes of Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland in what is regarded to be the Group of Death this year. All three teams will pose a stern test and Croatia are the strongest opposition in this group. Messi will come head to head with his club-mate Ivan Rakitic. Since 2014, the two have been teammates at Barcelona.

Croatia are regarded as the dark-horses of this tournament and can head into the final stages of the tournament if all the players manage to perform to their potential. Rakitic is a part of a very balanced Croatia squad, that comprises of a midfield that top teams in the world will envy. The 30-year-old along with Real Madrid's Luka Modric will be pulling the strings for the side.

However, the two friends will turn foes when their respective national teams play each other on the 21st of June in the World Cup. Rakitic will have the difficult task of keeping the Argentine superstar at bay.