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SportsPulse: Former USMNT goalkeeper and Fox Sports broadcaster Tony Meola assesses the first week of World Cup action. From Russia's rise to Messi's struggles, one thing is clear: We know nothing. USA TODAY Sports

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Lionel Messi’s mother will tell you that her son didn’t cry much as a child and rarely does now, saving his tears for the times of his most intense soccer pain.

Messi didn’t openly weep before he left the field in Nizhny Novgorod on Thursday night, but he surely must have felt like it.

Argentina’s 3-0 defeat to Croatia didn’t just endanger its long-held hopes of winning this World Cup, it threw its immediate survival into grave peril and beyond the control of Messi’s skill and willpower.

If Iceland beats Nigeria in a clash between Group D’s other teams on Friday, Argentina will need a miracle to advance at the World Cup. One of the most extraordinary players of this or any era is close to suffering heartache once more.

We don’t have all day so it’s pointless to name all of Messi’s club (with Barcelona) and individual honors. Yet it takes but a moment to reference the number of international titles he has steered Argentina to. It is none, no Copa Americas, no World Cups, and barring a miracle, no hope in this tournament either.

It has never been for a lack of effort. Messi cares about his country and also his legacy, which will be partially dented by his international record but no more than that. He is one of the greats, shoulder-to-shoulder with Cristiano Ronaldo in this era and in the conversation with anyone, ever.

His struggles with Argentina continue to puzzle. Croatia is seriously good, but Argentina is talent-laden, especially in attack, and had no shortage of chances.

The game-breaking moment of magic though, came not from Messi’s twinkling toes but from Croatia’s fearless Ante Rabic, who capitalized on a mistake to deliver a 53rd minute volley of impeccable sweetness.

And then, after Messi had tried and toiled and given his all in vain to spark a revival, Luka Modric — of Barcelona’s loathed rival Real Madrid no less — sealed the points and Croatia’s status in the round of 16, thanks to a rasping curled effort from the edge of the box with 10 minutes left.

In that moment, naturally, eyes turned not to the scorer but to Messi, for we are drawn to discomfort. His hands were planted on his hips and his head was bowed. The end was near and there was room in his heart for only disbelief, not sadness.

But the final whistle and the misery would soon come, with private tears perhaps to follow.

Ivan Rakitic added a third as time wound down and Argentina — and Messi — are on the brink.

Highlights from the 2018 FIFA World Cup

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Saudi Arabia's Fahad Almuwallad charges on Uruguay's
Saudi Arabia's Fahad Almuwallad charges on Uruguay's Diego Godin.  Andrew Medichini, AP
Uruguay's Luis Suarez gestures during the match against
Uruguay's Luis Suarez gestures during the match against Saudi Arabia.  Darko Vojinovic, AP
Uruguay's forward Edinson Cavani reacts the match against
Uruguay's forward Edinson Cavani reacts the match against Saudi Arabia.  Joe Klamar, AFP/Getty Images
The sun casts a shadow on the field during the match
The sun casts a shadow on the field during the match between Portugal and Morocco.  Felipe Dana, AP
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his opening goal against Morocco.  JUAN MABROMATA, AFP/Getty Images
Portugal midfielder Goncalo Guedes hits the turf against
Portugal midfielder Goncalo Guedes hits the turf against Morocco.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Morocco fans show his support before the Portugal gam.e
Morocco fans show his support before the Portugal gam.e  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva falls to the pitch
Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva falls to the pitch as Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi comes away with the ball.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Russia's Denis Cheryshev celebrates after scoring his
Russia's Denis Cheryshev celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Egypt.  Efrem Lukatsky, AP
Russian players celebrate after the opening goal against
Russian players celebrate after the opening goal against Egypt.  Etienne Laurent, EPA-EFE
Russia's Yuri Gazinsky, right, challenges for the ball
Russia's Yuri Gazinsky, right, challenges for the ball with Egypt's Amr Warda.  Gregorio Borgia, AP
Egypt's Mo Salah looks on as Russian players celebrate
Egypt's Mo Salah looks on as Russian players celebrate the opening goal.  Tolga Bozoglu, EPA-EFE
A view of the crowd during the Senegal-Poland game.
A view of the crowd during the Senegal-Poland game.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Senegal celebrates the opening goal against Poland.
Senegal celebrates the opening goal against Poland.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Poland defender Michal Pazdan goes for the ball against
Poland defender Michal Pazdan goes for the ball against Senegal.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Senegal's M'Baye Niang scores his team's second goal
Senegal's M'Baye Niang scores his team's second goal against Poland.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Japan's Yuya Osako, center, scores his side's second
Japan's Yuya Osako, center, scores his side's second goal against Colombia.  Vadim Ghirda, AP
Japan's Yuya Osako, centre, celebrates after scoring
Japan's Yuya Osako, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Colombia.  Vadim Ghirda, AP
Colombia players celebrate after scoring a goal against
Colombia players celebrate after scoring a goal against Japan.  Filippo Monteforte, AFP/Getty Images
Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima fails to make a save
Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima fails to make a save as Colombia's Juan Quintero scores his side's opening goal.  Vadim Ghirda, AP
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring the winning goal
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring the winning goal in England's 2-1 win over Tunisia in Volgograd, Russia.  FRANCIS R. MALASIG, EPA-EFE
England's Harry Kane scores his winning goal against
England's Harry Kane scores his winning goal against Tunisia.  Alastair Grant, AP
Ferjani Sassi of Tunisia shoots and scores a penalty
Ferjani Sassi of Tunisia shoots and scores a penalty past Jordan Pickford of England.  Matthias Hangst, Getty Images
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois catches the ball
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois catches the ball against Panama.  Nelson Almeida, AFP/Getty Images
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates after he scored
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates after he scored his side's third goal against Panama.  Matthias Schrader, AP
Belgium's team celebrates after the win against Panama.
Belgium's team celebrates after the win against Panama.  Matthias Schrader, AP
Axel Witsel of Belgium and Armando Cooper of Panama
Axel Witsel of Belgium and Armando Cooper of Panama battle for the ball.  Friedemann Vogel, EPA-EFE
Sweden's defender Andreas Granqvist celebrates after
Sweden's defender Andreas Granqvist celebrates after converting a penalty to give his team the lead against South Korea.  Martin Bernetti, AFP/Getty Images
Sweden's Sebastian Larsson, goes up for a header against
Sweden's Sebastian Larsson, goes up for a header against South Korea>  Pavel Golovkin, AP
Sweden's Viktor Claesson is challenged by South Korea's
Sweden's Viktor Claesson is challenged by South Korea's Lee Yong.  Pavel Golovkin, AP
South Korea's Kim Min-woo sits on the pitch at the
South Korea's Kim Min-woo sits on the pitch at the end of the loss against Sweden.  Petr David Josek, AP
Swedish supporters celebrate after the win against
Swedish supporters celebrate after the win against South Korea.  Pavel Golovkin, AP
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer can't stop a shot
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer can't stop a shot from Brazil's Philippe Coutinho.  Andre Penner, AP
Switzerland's Steven Zuber celebrates with teammates
Switzerland's Steven Zuber celebrates with teammates after scoring against Brazil.  Themba Hadebe, AP
Switzerland's Breel Embolo, left, and Brazil's Fernandinho
Switzerland's Breel Embolo, left, and Brazil's Fernandinho collide going for the ball.  Andre Penner, AP
Brazil's Neymar during the draw against Switzerland.
Brazil's Neymar during the draw against Switzerland.  Themba Hadebe, AP
Mexico defender Edson Alvarez celebrates after defeating
Mexico defender Edson Alvarez celebrates after defeating Germany.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa celebrates after
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa celebrates after defeating Germany.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Germany forward Thomas Muller receives a yellow card
Germany forward Thomas Muller receives a yellow card against Mexico.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Mexico's Hirving Lozano celebrates with teammates after
Mexico's Hirving Lozano celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Germany.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Germany forward Mario Gomez tries to get a shot off
Germany forward Mario Gomez tries to get a shot off against Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Mexico forward Javier Hernandez battles for the ball
Mexico forward Javier Hernandez battles for the ball with Germany defender Mats Hummels.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Serbia's Branislav Ivanovic, left, tries to score past
Serbia's Branislav Ivanovic, left, tries to score past Costa Rica goalkeeper.  Vadim Ghirda, AP
Serbia's players celebrate their opening goal against
Serbia's players celebrate their opening goal against Costa Rica.  Fabrice Coffrini, AFP/Getty Images
Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov celebrates after scoring
Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Costa Rica.  Mark Baker, AP
Referee Malang Diedhiou and fourth official Bamlak
Referee Malang Diedhiou and fourth official Bamlak Tessera Weyesa from Ethiopia go between Costa Rica and Serbia players as they argue.  Vadim Ghirda, AP
Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas fails to stop Serbia's
Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas fails to stop Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov free kick.  Natacha Pisarenko, AP
Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with fans after the
Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with fans after the 2-0 win against Nigeria.  Attila Kisbenedek, AFP/Getty Images
Croatia players celebrate after their second goal against
Croatia players celebrate after their second goal against Nigeria.  Petr David Josek, AP
Croatia's Dejan Lovren (L) vies for the ball with with
Croatia's Dejan Lovren (L) vies for the ball with with Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel.  Attila Kisbenedek, AFP/Getty Images
Croatia scores teh opening goal against Nigeria.
Croatia scores teh opening goal against Nigeria.  Attila Kisbenedek, AFP/Getty Images
Yussuf Poulsen of Denmark celebrates scoring against
Yussuf Poulsen of Denmark celebrates scoring against Peru.  Erik S. Lesser, EPA-EFE
Peru's midfielder Christian Cueva is consoled by his
Peru's midfielder Christian Cueva is consoled by his teammates after missing a penalty against Denmark.  Jack Guez, AFP/Getty Images
Denmark's Simon Kjaer blocks the shot of Peru forward
Denmark's Simon Kjaer blocks the shot of Peru forward Jefferson Farfan.  Juan Barreto, AFP/Getty Images
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, left, looks on
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, left, looks on as Peru's Christian Cueva misses a penalty shot.  Martin Meissner, AP
Peru's Jefferson Farfan, left, and Denmark's Henrik
Peru's Jefferson Farfan, left, and Denmark's Henrik Dalsgaard jump for a ball.  Efrem Lukatsky, AP
Denmark players celebrate after defeating Peru.
Denmark players celebrate after defeating Peru.  Gregorio Borgia, AP
Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saves a penalty
Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saves a penalty kick from Lionel Messi.  Clive Rose, Getty Images
Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saves a penalty
Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson saves a penalty kick from Lionel Messi.  Ryan Pierse, Getty Images
Iceland celebrates a goal in the first half against
Iceland celebrates a goal in the first half against Argentina.  JUAN MABROMATA, AFP/Getty Images
Iceland forward Alfred Finnbogason scores against Argentina.
Iceland forward Alfred Finnbogason scores against Argentina.  Yuri Cortez, AFP/Getty Images
Iceland's Gylfi Sigurdsson kicks a corner kick against
Iceland's Gylfi Sigurdsson kicks a corner kick against Argentina.  Alexander Nemenov, AFP/Getty Images
Argentina's Sergio Aguero, celebrates after scoring
Argentina's Sergio Aguero, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Iceland.  Victor Caivano, AP
France's Antoine Griezmann and Blaise Matuidi celebrate
France's Antoine Griezmann and Blaise Matuidi celebrate after defeating Australia.  Franck Fife, AFP/Getty Images
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan fails to save the
Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan fails to save the ball as France's Paul Pogba scores his side's second goal.  Hassan Ammar, AP
France's Paul Pogba and Australia's Mathew Leckie,
France's Paul Pogba and Australia's Mathew Leckie, challenge for the ball.  David Vincent, AP
France players celebrate after the opening goal against
France players celebrate after the opening goal against Australia..  Diego Azubel, EPA-EFE
Uruguayan referee Carlos Cunha awards a penalty kick
Uruguayan referee Carlos Cunha awards a penalty kick to Australia against France.  Franck Fife, AFP/Getty Images
Australia's Trent Sainsbury, center, kicks the ball
Australia's Trent Sainsbury, center, kicks the ball in front of France's Kylian Mbappe.  Hassan Ammar, AP
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after he scored
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after he scored his third goal with a free kick against Spain.  Frank Augstein, AP
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo fights for the
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo fights for the ball with Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets.  Jewel Samad, AFP/Getty Images
Spain's Nacho scores his side's third goal against
Spain's Nacho scores his side's third goal against Portugal.  Frank Augstein, AP
Spain's Diego Costa scores his second goal against
Spain's Diego Costa scores his second goal against Portugal.  Mohamed Messar, EPA-EFE
Cristiano Ronaldo goes up for a header against Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo goes up for a header against Spain.  Leonel de Castro, USA TODAY Sports
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo slides on his knees after
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo slides on his knees after scoring his second goal against Spain.  Thanassis Stavrakis, AP
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Spain.  Adrian Dennis, AFP/Getty Images
Spain's Nacho fouls Cristiano Ronaldo, earning Portugal
Spain's Nacho fouls Cristiano Ronaldo, earning Portugal a penalty.  Francisco Seco, AP
Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi shows a yellow card
Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi shows a yellow card to Spain's Sergio Busquets in the first half against Portugal.  Sergei Grits, AP
Spain's Diego Costa, center, vies for the ball with
Spain's Diego Costa, center, vies for the ball with Portugal's Raphael Guerreiro and Jose Fonte.  Manu Fernandez, AP
Iranian players celebrate with their coach Carlos Queiroz
Iranian players celebrate with their coach Carlos Queiroz after defeating Morocco.  Etienne Laurent, EPA-EFE
Morocco's forward Aziz Bouhaddouz is comforted as he
Morocco's forward Aziz Bouhaddouz is comforted as he reacts after scoring an own goal against Iran.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Aziz Bouhaddouz of Morocco scores an own goal against
Aziz Bouhaddouz of Morocco scores an own goal against Iran.  Georgi Licovski, EPA-EFE
Iran forward Karim Ansari Fard challenges Morocco's
Iran forward Karim Ansari Fard challenges Morocco's Noureddine Amrabat.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Morocco fans cheer during the game against Iran.
Morocco fans cheer during the game against Iran.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Iran's Ramin Rezaian fights for a header against Morocco's
Iran's Ramin Rezaian fights for a header against Morocco's Mbarek Boussoufa.  Gabriel Bouys , AFP/Getty Images
Iran fans cheer during the game against Morocco.
Iran fans cheer during the game against Morocco.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Iranian players try to clear the ball against Morocco.
Iranian players try to clear the ball against Morocco.  ETIENNE LAURENT, EPA-EFE
Uruguay's Jose Gimenez, right, celebrates with his
Uruguay's Jose Gimenez, right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Egypt.  Natacha Pisarenko, AP
Uruguay's Jose Gimenez scores past Egypt goalkeeper
Uruguay's Jose Gimenez scores past Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.  Ryan Pierse, Getty Images
Uruguay's Jose Gimenez scores on a header in the 89th
Uruguay's Jose Gimenez scores on a header in the 89th minute against Egypt.  Anne-Christine Poujoulat, AFP/Getty Images
Egypt's Marwan Mohsen vies for the ball with Uruguay
Egypt's Marwan Mohsen vies for the ball with Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.  Jorge Guerrero, AFP/Getty Images
Uruguay's Luis Suarez reacts after missing an opportunity
Uruguay's Luis Suarez reacts after missing an opportunity against Egypt.  Vadim Ghirda, AP
Uruguay fans celebrate during the win against Egypt.
Uruguay fans celebrate during the win against Egypt.  Mark Baker, AP
Egypt's Marwan Mohsen vies for the ball with Uruguay
Egypt's Marwan Mohsen vies for the ball with Uruguay defender Jose Gimenez.  Mahmoud Khaled, EPA-EFE
Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates after scoring
Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates after scoring his team's second goal of a 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia.  Matthias Hangst
Saudi Arabia's Mohammad Al-Sahlawi (10) goes up for
Saudi Arabia's Mohammad Al-Sahlawi (10) goes up for a header against Russia's Aleksandr Samedov during the World Cup opener in Moscow.  Tim Groothuis, Witters Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, FIFA
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Russian president Vladimir Putin react during the opening match of the 2018 World Cup, a 5-0 Russia win over Saudi Arabia.  PETER POWELL, EPA-EFE
Russian fans are pictured before the start of the FIFA
Russian fans are pictured before the start of the FIFA World Cup in Moscow.  Felipe Trueba, EPA-EFE
Russian soprano Aida Garifullina performs during the
Russian soprano Aida Garifullina performs during the opening ceremony before the 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.  ALEXANDER NEMENOV, AFP/Getty Images
English singer Robbie Williams performs during the
English singer Robbie Williams performs during the 2018 World Cup opening ceremony.  FELIPE TRUEBA, EPA-EFE
Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo waves to the crowd
Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo waves to the crowd during the opening ceremony for the World Cup at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow.  Antonio Calanni, AP
Football fans from across the globe gather at the official
Football fans from across the globe gather at the official FIFA Fan Fest at Moscow State University to watch the first World Cup game between Russia and Saudi Arabia in Moscow.  Oleg Nikishin, Getty Images
Mascot Zabivaka entertains during the opening match
Mascot Zabivaka entertains during the opening match of the World Cup.  PETER POWELL, EPA-EFE

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