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‘Is there still debate?’: Gary Lineker leads the way as Lionel Messi is hailed as the GOAT after an impressive display to send Argentina to the World Cup final… while Jamie Carragher calls him ‘the greatest that has existed’ !’
Lionel Messi put in another impressive performance as Argentina beat Croatia to reach the World Cup final, and several of soccer’s biggest stars believe the ‘GOAT’ debate is over.
The 35-year-old claimed a goal and two assists, setting up Julián Álvarez twice, the second after a riveting run from midfield, as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night.
Messi and Argentina with the win booked a place in Sunday’s World Cup final, with France or Morocco, who play tomorrow night, to join them.
Lionel Messi played a starring role as Argentina beat Croatia to reach the World Cup final.
Jamie Carragher (left) and Gary Lineker (right) insist that Messi is the greatest of all time.
Messi not only ran the show, but also became Argentina’s all-time World Cup top scorer with 11 goals, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta who scored 10.
The Paris Saint-Germain star also reached the record number of World Cup appearances held by German legend Lothar Matthaus, with a total of 25.
Pundit Gary Lineker, speaking on Twitter after Messi’s sublime assist, insisted that the debate over soccer’s greatest talent of all time is over. ‘Is there still debate? Asking for a goat,’ he wrote.
Jamie Carragher echoed Lineker’s sentiments, adding: “The best thing ever!”
And Jeff Stelling, directing his message to Cristiano Ronaldo fan and friend Piers Morgan, added: ‘So where are we now in the Ronaldo vs Messi debate?’
Several of soccer’s biggest names have taken to social media to insist that the GOAT debate is over.
Messi, scoring against Croatia, also leveled with French star Kylian Mbappe in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot in Qatar with five goals.
The veteran attacker also became the first player to score and assist in four separate matches at the World Cup since the 1966 edition of the tournament.
Messi’s international record has long been criticized, with Argentine Diego Maradona being singled out by many as his greatest player, as he inspired his country to win the World Cup in 1986.
However, the striker was instrumental in helping Argentina win the Copa América last year and has once again played a vital role in Qatar.
There are still those who choose the legend of Brazil, Pelé, as the greatest of all time, while Cristiano Ronaldo, of course, is also in the debate.
More to follow…