As two of football’s greatest-ever players enter the twilight of their careers, their supporters are still locked in a feverish battle of which of the superstars supersedes the other
Lionel Messi is the toast of many fans on social media after the Paris Saint Germain playmaker inspired Argentina to the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Messi scored one and assisted another as Argentina made mincemeat of Croatia to run out 3-0 winners in the first semifinal fixture of the tournament.
🏅Most FIFA World Cup MOTM
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) December 13, 2022
🥇🇦🇷 Lionel Messi-10
🥈🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo-7
🥉🇳🇱 Robben-6
🏅Most MOTM at a Single World Cup
🥇2010:🇳🇱Wesley Sneijder-4
🥇2014:🇦🇷Messi-4
🥇2022:🇦🇷Messi-4
🔥Most World Cup Wins
🥇🇩🇪Miroslav Klose-17
🥈🇦🇷Messi-16#FIFAWorldCup|#Messi𓃵|#ARG pic.twitter.com/6fy5fJSbAs
The 35-year-old Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 34th minute before Julian Alvarez netted a fine solo effort five minutes later as Argentina went into the halftime break with a two-goal advantage.
A brilliant Messi run in the 69th minute then set up Alvarez to complete his brace and net Argentina’s third of the evening.
Messi’s effort took him into the record books as the player with the most goals + assists (11 goals, 8 assists) at the World Cup since 1966.
Most goals + assists at the World Cup since 1966:
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 13, 2022
🇩🇪 19 – Miroslav Klose
🇧🇷 19 – Ronaldo
🇦🇷 19 – Lionel Messi 🆕
One more for the record. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KnGl0sMWhR
The Argentine’s latest display also sees him make a second World Cup final and takes him closer to his dream of lifting the prestigious trophy.
It is a feat his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo may never attain after Portugal exited the tournament at the quarterfinal stage.
The two have been the best players over the past two decades and have won all the individual and club titles they have competed for, sometimes multiple times.
And this has, since time immemorial, fueled arguments about who among the two is the greatest of all time (GOAT).
It appears, however, that Messi’s performance in Qatar has elevated him above Ronaldo.
What the fans said
And after his inspiring role against Croatia, even some Ronaldo fans, especially Nigerians, admit on Twitter that the PSG magician is the best of this generation and beyond.
One user said: “Ronaldo FC can’t lie we are in trouble.”
If it took you up till 2022 to know that Messi is the GOAT. You chose the wrong sports pic.twitter.com/ACCrQoRctY
— Timanam (@EmmaAlfredDGC) December 13, 2022
Popular comedian Mr Macaroni wrote: “Messi is going to win the World Cup. We have to rejoice with him. Messi FC, please no need to troll Ronaldo. Let’s all celebrate in peace.”
Another Tweeter said: “Compare Ronaldo and Messi’s stats in all areas after their first 1,000 games then you will know. It’s the most forced debate of all times. Messi was made for football.”
Let me help you. pic.twitter.com/sptRMhS3bz
— Mo-Mo💙 (@Morris_Monye) December 13, 2022
CFCMode wrote: “Honestly having both the most goals (5) and the most assists (3) in the biggest stage of football at age 35 is simply unheard of.”
FCB Drae said: “No one said you should turn on Ronaldo, just don’t lie to yourself that he’s better than Messi.”
iDanDizzy wrote: “I love Ronaldo but Omo Messi is a born baller!!”
The Lady Mo took no prisoners as she said: “You people legit compared Messi to an Instagram Influencer. You will pay for your sins on the last day.”
Dr Penking also wrote: “Respect to Ronaldo but you can’t claim to love this sport, watch Messi play and still think there’s another one better than him.”
Stokeyy said: “I respect Ronaldo obviously but how you can watch football and not decide Lionel Messi is the obvious GOAT is insane to me.”
Omojuwa wrote: “Kill that stupid debate. It’s an embarrassment on our collective logic as humans! Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are great, one is miles apart. You know who!”
Utd Ellis wrote: “To every Messi fan out there that I’ve ever argued with, I am so sorry. He’s the greatest player ever.”
Messi has five goals and three assists in Qatar.
Argentina will meet the winner of the other semifinal time between France and Morocco tie in the final.
