World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi called best player ever as pundits react to Argentine's masterclass

Lionel Messi was dubbed the greatest player of all time as he led Argentina into the World Cup final and one last chance to win the trophy before he retires.

Even though he has never won a World Cup, he has been counted against in debates about the best of all time.

This was Messi's 1,002nd game of senior football, he has 791 goals and 340 assists. He won 35 trophies with Barcelona and the French title with Paris St-Germain.

Messi is the best there has ever been.

Alan Shearer wondered if it would end the debate of Maradona or Messi.

It might have to be Messi if he wins the World Cup here. That has been the difference between the two points. The World Cup has been won. My view would be different if Messi won it here.

Rob Green, who played for England at the 2010 World Cup, thinks that Messi would be better off if he won.

"If you asked Messi if he wanted to be the best in the world or if he wanted that medal, he would want that medal on Sunday," the former goalkeeper said. One is in charge of the other.

He would take your hand off and give you a medal. He's done a lot for the sport.

Messi will make his 26th World Cup appearance on Sunday, setting a new record.

He is Argentina's top scorer in World Cup history, with 11, and is the only player to register an assist in five World Cups. Messi is also the only player to score in the World Cup in his teens, 20s and 30s.

The Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament went to Messi, despite Argentina's loss to Germany.

He was able to complete the sweep of Golden Ball and Golden Boot. He overtook KylianMbappe in the top scorer race by virtue of more assists.

Lionel Scaloni doesn't have any doubts about whether Messi is the greatest of all time.

For a long time, I have said that. I am very happy to be able to watch him. It is a privilege to have Messi in the squad and there is nothing left to say about him.

Messi was stretching his hamstring at times earlier in the game, but he went on a remarkable solo run to set up the second goal.

Shearer said thatArgentina are in the final because of Messi. People look to him. He doesn't work as hard as he used to, and he may not be as quick as he used to be.

He has the ability to twist and turn and run with the ball and go past those defenders with ease. At times, he can make the best look average.

Messi has been incredible according to his former Argentina team-mates. He is so sharp in those places. You don't want to touch him. A tap-in was created by it. The goal was amazing. It felt like something would happen when Messi got on the ball.

Messi said he was enjoying the experience. I'm strong enough to face every match. This World Cup has made me very happy. I can assist the squad.

"You never get tired of proving you are the best in the world," wrote Luis Suarez.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic knew that his side had been defeated by a great.

He didn't need to say much about Messi. Today, the best player in the world is very dangerous. It's the real Messi we were expecting.

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