The main argument levelled against Lionel Messi being the greatest footballer of all-time has now been banished, after leading his Argentina side to victory over France in today's epic World Cup final.
Billed as Messi vs Mbappe, the two men found the net seven times between them in the game (including the penalty shootout), in what was possibly the greatest World Cup final ever, and what was Messi's last.
Emotional celebrations from the Argentina ensued, after many of their players had shed tears while the match was still in progress, but the most touching moment came when Messi was greeted his mother before sharing a loving embrace.
Lionel Messi Celebrates With His Mother
Lionel Messi with his mother after finally winning the World Cup 💙 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/FoA6CTSyH2
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 18, 2022
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Prior to the match, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had played down the Messi vs Mbappe narrative, but he won't mind eating his words after leading his side to glory.
"To stop Mbappe you need a collective effort," Scaloni had said. "But France is more than just Mbappe. We need to focus on making a good game collectively.
"Sunday's game is much more than Lionel Messi against Mbappe, it's Argentina against France, it goes beyond that.
"We both have the necessary weapons so that the game can be decided by other players and not necessarily the two of them. Let's hope it falls on our side, but there are plenty of players who can decide the game.
"Let's hope that if it's Leo's last game, that we can win the title.
"It would be great and the important thing is to enjoy it. What better scenario than (to retire with a win) in a World Cup final."
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