In Gary Lineker’s opinion, Lionel Messi’s standout performance in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over Croatia has put an end to the argument about the “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT).

Messi became Argentina’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup when he scored from the penalty spot to start the three-goal victory. Messi broke four records in all during a talismanic display for his nation, whom he will lead in the World Cup final on Sunday.

He wanted to establish himself as the greatest player of all time by leading Argentina to the Copa America title last year and completing his collection of medals by winning the World Cup. Given that he will be 39 years old for the 2026 World Cup, this likely will be his final appearance in the competition.

There has been a long-running rivalry between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is two years his elder and has struggled for form this campaign. Ronaldo ended his relationship with Manchester United by mutual consent last month, after his interview with Piers Morgan.

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The two superstars became well-known in the early years of their professional careers, but their rivalry erupted when they became the faces of Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. The pair, who headed two of football’s greatest teams, are two of the best players to ever take the field.

Lineker tweeted during the match: “Is there still a debate (about who the best ever player is)? Asking for a goat.”

Former Chelsea and England skipper John Terry concurred with Lineker’s view, explaining on beIN Sports after the game: “If there’s any debate about who the greatest ever is, if he goes on to win this World Cup, I think that settles it between him and Ronaldo.”

Over the course of more than ten years, the two players had a fascinating rivalry. Together, they won 12 of 13 consecutive Ballon d’Or awards, with Messi outpacing Ronaldo with seven individual awards to the Portuguese star’s five (Luka Modric, in 2018, was the only player to break the sequence).

Messi trails Ronaldo by four Champions League titles, with Ronaldo having won five, compared to Messi’s four. While Ronaldo, who is two years older than Messi, has more club and international goals scored, Messi has more league titles.

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