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Messi has become a symbol of Argentine sporting resilience after leading the national football team to three FIFA World Cup finals across four editions. Argentina finished runners-up to Spain in the latest final, but the team's fighting spirit remains a source of inspiration for athletes across the country.

Rey, who is also appearing at his sixth World Cup, believes his role extends beyond his performances on the pitch. The 41-year-old defender, a member of Argentina's gold medal-winning team at the Rio 2016 Olympics, is keen to pass on his experience to the younger members of the squad.

"I am playing my sixth World Cup, like Lionel Messi, and I am in a position to share my experience with the young players and all the things I have learnt," Rey told PTI.

For Rey, the success of Argentina's football team under Messi has reinforced an important sporting lesson - perseverance.

"Argentina is a football country and they played the World Cup final this year. We learn from them not to give up until the end and keep fighting," he said.

That mentality will be crucial when Argentina face India on Monday. Rey expects a demanding contest against Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates, while insisting that his side is ready for the challenge.

"India is a really strong team. They have many good players and a good coach, so it will be a tough fight. We are here to compete. Now we have to face two wonderful teams. We know it will not be easy, but we are ready," he added.

Argentina goalkeeper Tomas Santiago echoed his captain's assessment, stressing that his side cannot afford any lapses against India. Santiago, who has 57 international appearances and featured in Argentina's previous two World Cups, knows the importance of maintaining complete concentration.

"India is a very strong team and we need to be 120 per cent focused to beat them," he said.

Santiago also identified India captain Harmanpreet Singh as one of the biggest threats, particularly because of his renowned penalty-corner drag-flicking ability. Argentina, he revealed, will use detailed video analysis as part of their preparations.

"Every team has a strong drag flicker and Harmanpreet is also one of them. We will analyse the videos and try our best to neutralise his PCs," he said.

Argentina's hockey players are also eager to replicate the consistency and success achieved by their football counterparts. The national football team's continued presence at the top level has raised expectations across Argentine sport.

"We like to be as successful as our football team. They won the last World Cup and reached the final again," Santiago said.

Messi's enormous popularity was evident during Argentina's pool match against New Zealand at the Wagener Stadium on Thursday, where several supporters turned up wearing Messi's famous No. 10 shirt.