Is Lionel Messi the GOAT, or just the greatest right now? World Cup win ends debate for some, but not all agree
- Victory over France on Sunday has ended GOAT debate as far as Messi’s legion of fans are concerned
- But comparing players from different eras has always been an exercise in futility
For his legions of fans, the debate about Lionel Messi’s right to be regarded as the greatest footballer in history is officially over, for others it is an argument that will rage for as long as the game is played.
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 considered closed by some.
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.