Sergio Aguero thought his World Cup was over in the group stage when he hobbled from the field against Nigeria with a hamstring injury.
Now the Manchester City striker says he will put his body on the line to help Argentina lift the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
The 26-year-old made just 20 Premier League starts last season with groin and hamstring complaints limiting his game time.
He still managed to notch 17 goals, but after an injury-hit campaign Aguero is desperate to take his second World Cup chance, against Germany at the Maracana on Sunday.
"When you come back from an injury, it is always in the back of your mind whether it will return," he said.
"I had to train and try to be as good as I could be. When you miss three games, especially in a World Cup, you realise what you are missing.
"We are all aware of what the objective is and we will leave everything on the field to achieve it."
Argentina have failed to hit top form despite reaching their first World Cup final in 24 years – a 1-0 defeat against this weekend's opponents Germany at Italia 90.
La Albiceleste only squeezed past the Netherlands on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the semi-finals and they required an extra-time goal from Angel di Maria against Switzerland in the last-16.
By contrast Germany dished out the heaviest ever defeat on hosts Brazil in their last-four clash, the 7-1 victory sending shockwaves through the nation and beyond.
But Aguero admits being underdogs for the showpiece could play into Argentine hands.
"We are in the final and we have to play it and win it in whatever way possible," he added. "It is clear that Argentina always go out to win, but sometimes during the game you have to be cautious.
"Germany were always the favourites, along with Brazil, to win the World Cup. They continue to be so now. We need to play our own game and it suits us that all the pressure is on them.
"We want to have control of the ball, but we know that Germany is a great team that know each other off by heart having played together for many years."
