For his legions of admirers, the debate about Lionel Messi’s right to be regarded as the greatest footballer in history is officially over, IgbereTV reports
The absence of a World Cup winners’ medal has long been Exhibit A in the argument about why Messi does not rank above Pele and Diego Maradona in football’s pantheon.
But with Argentina’s victory over France in Sunday’s jaw-dropping World Cup final in Doha, the case against the 35-year-old maestro is now surely closed.
In a glittering career that has spanned three decades, Messi has won 37 club trophies, seven Ballon D’Or awards and six European Golden Boots.
There has been a Copa America title, an Olympic gold medal and a list of scoring and statistical records that may never be beaten.
The only remaining gap on Messi’s CV — a World Cup victory — was comprehensively filled in on Sunday night over the course of 120 mesmerising minutes at the Lusail Stadium.
In his final World Cup appearance — a record-breaking 26th for what it’s worth — Messi scored twice as Argentina battled to a 3-3 draw in extra-time before prevailing on penalties.
Not even Kylian Mbappe’s magical hat-trick for Les Bleus could upset Messi’s appointment with destiny on a night that seemed pre-ordained.
Former England and Barcelona forward Gary Lineker tweeted: “It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly 2 decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods
