Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi was crowned world champion in Qatar. An ultimate reward for the Argentine striker, who probably put an end to the debate over the identity of the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT).
Messi, the greatest of all?
Lionel Messi did. Having left for Catalonia at the age of 13, the Paris Saint-Germain striker has always suffered from comparison with his glorious predecessor, Diego Maradona. Many have also questioned his patriotic fiber, he who has been running since 2005 behind a major title with his country. He managed to fill his trophy cabinet with a Copa Amrica gleaned in 2021 in Brazil. Before the supreme consecration.
A dream World Cup, like Maradona
Sunday, Lusail, La Pulga reached the end of its mission, that of taking Argentina to the roof of the plant by beating France in the final (3-3, 4-2 tab). Thirty-six years after El Pibe de Oro, when he was still just an idea in his parents’ minds, the greatest player in the history of FC Barcelona succeeded in winning the Gabriel Batistuta, Hernan Crespo , Gonzalo Higuain or even Sergio Agero, renowned scorers of the last three decades, have failed. Despite the incessant pressure, despite the endless reproaches, Messi put his hands on the trophy worn by his mentor, who died in November 2020, on June 29, 1986 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. And in what way!
Some will refer to his four penalties scored. Why not. After all, some would have liked to put them in the back to find themselves in their place. But in total, it is indeed 7 goals and 3 decisive assists which have darkened his copy of the road. An involvement in 10 goals in a World Cup is as much as Kylian Mbapp, standard in Qatar, and Maradona, author of 5 goals and 5 assists in Mexico during the last crowning of the Albiceleste. A random ? Everyone will have their own opinion. The fact remains that Messi assumed his status with a double in the final and a successful shot on goal against the Blues for a long time in agony.
Ronaldo far in the rear view mirror
If the debate of the greatest Argentine player belongs to the Argentines, since only they have the necessary sensitivity to judge whether Maradona or Messi is the greatest, the debate on the greatest player in history outside Argentina has known a turning point these days. last hours. It had been open for many years already with the surreal performances of La Pulga for more than a decade under the Blaugrana tunic. It may have closed, for a moment anyway, when Szymon Marciniak blew the three whistles signifying the end of the Lusail match and the liberation for an entire people.
Third best scorer in history, best passer in history, seven-time Ballon d’Or, with probably an eighth on the way following this World Cup, four-time winner of the Champions League, twice best player in the World Cup and now champion of the world, Messi finished the game aged 35. His name has often been associated with that of his great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. He will no longer be, even if he decides to put an end to his career after this world title. From now on, it will only be a bonus for him. To dethrone him, it will take time and talent. A lot of talent.
The collective palmars of Lionel Messi
With FC Barcelona and PSG
Liga (10) : 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
King’s Cup (7) : 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021
Spanish Super Cup (8) : 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
Champions League (4) : 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015
UEFA Super Cup (3) : 2009, 2011, 2015
Club World Cup (3) : 2009, 2011, 2015
Ligue 1 (1) : 2022
Champions Trophy (1) : 2022
With Argentina
World Cup (1) : 2022
America’s Cup (1) : 2021
World Cup finalist (1) : 2014
Finalist of the Copa Amrica (3) : 2007, 2015, 2016
CONMEBOL–UEFA Champions Cup (1) : 2022
FIFA U-20 World Cup (1) : 2005
Olympic Games (1) : 2008
Is Messi the greatest player of all time? Do not hesitate to react and discuss in the area add a comment …
