World Cup 2022: 'Qatar 2022 on the brink of becoming Lionel Messi's World Cup'

Lionel Messi is just 90 minutes away from having a World Cup forever attached to his name as he stands just 90 minutes away from the final.

It will be known as Messi's World Cup if he leads Argentina to victory against either France or Morocco in the final, just like Diego Maradona did on Argentina's 1986 victory in Mexico.

Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the World Cup.

The way in which the master Messi and his apprentices swept aside Croatia in their semi-final win gave an ominous warning that they are reaching the sort of perfect crescendo their fans were still hitting in Lusail Stadium.

It is all back to Lusail on Sunday to see if Argentina can win a third World Cup in their sixth final and if the player who has been dubbed the greatest of all time can finally get his hands on the trophy.

It seemed for a while that the perfect ending the romantics and those who support Argentina would be transformed into a nightmare as a grimacing Messi bent over in the 19th minute.

The 35-year-old Messi, who equalled Lothar Matthaus' World Cup record of 25 matches played, does a lot in his current mode of operation.

He got the biggest boost of all when he scored from the penalty spot after Croatia's keeper had committed a foul.

After taking Messi's goal just inside the Croatia half five minutes later, he embarked on a long and winding road to goal, aided by rebound off Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa, and finally beating Livakovic.

After 69 minutes, Messi made one of the tournament's best defenders disappear.

Messi looked to be trapped by the touchline but a twist and sleight of foot took him away from Josko Gvardiol, now regarded as an "A- List" defender and a potential £70m move away from RB Leipzig.

Messi did more than just mesmerise Gvardiol in that moment.

It was pitched as Messi for Argentina against Luka Modric for Croatia, two amazing players who have played in the World Cup before.

Modric's night wasn't going to happen. He was given a warm reception when he was taken out of the game with nine minutes left in the game.

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, collapsed into Messi's arms at the end of the game in a gesture of thanks for the performance that has taken them both to the verge of the crowning glory of their careers.

The Messi story will continue on Sunday, when he will have the chance to put to rest the feelings of distress and disappointment that he felt when Argentina lost to Germany in the Maracana.

With his contribution against Croatia, he became the first player to score and assist in four separate World Cup matches since 1966 - against Serbia in 2006 and Mexico, the Netherlands and Croatia in this year's tournament.

Argentina have scored 12 goals. Messi has netted five and assisted three, but he was not given an assist for the headed goal which led to the second goal.

He has 11 goals at the World Cup in Argentina.

With five goals, Messi is tied with Kylian Mbappe for the lead in the race for the golden boot. On Sunday, could that contest be decided on the biggest global sporting stage of all?

Messi or Maradona?

When it comes to the debate of who is the greatest footballing product from that country, Shearer thinks Argentina lifting the World Cup on Sunday could have a bigger significance.

The story would be if Argentina won the World Cup. Is it possible that it would end the debate of Messi or Maradona?

If Messi wins the World Cup here, it will have to be him. The difference in the past has been Maradona winning the World Cup. My opinion would change if Messi won it here.

The only thing that Messi has not done is win the World Cup.

There could be a moment of destiny on Sunday. Lionel Messi's World Cup will always be called Lionel Messi's World Cup if it does happen.

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