Most World Cups have one truly iconic player who is intrinsically linked to that tournament for eternity, a standout star head and shoulders above the rest.
Pele had 1958 and 1970, Diego Maradona had 1986. There was Paolo Rossi in 1982, while Ronaldo was arguably that man in both 1998 and 2002.
But there aren t many instances of a World Cup final having two players vying for a victory that would have seismic consequences on their respective legacies. Or at least not to this degree.
Qatar 2022 s final is France against Argentina, but it s more than that. It s also Kylian Mbappe v Lionel Messi.
Both are teetering on the precipice of achievements that ll long outlive them, and it all rides on one match.
Messi s last chance
For many, there is no debate.
Sometimes as Argentinians it of course looks like we say it just because we are Argentinian. Maybe it s selfish [but] I don t have any doubt saying that: Messi is the best in history, Lionel Scaloni said after the 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia.
But it s not just Argentinians.
His goals and assists record should be enough to settle the discussion on its own, but beyond that, when you think about what defines a good footballer in the simplest sense, for most it comes down to technical ability; literally being a good footballer.
Of course, being a professional player is a bit more nuanced than that and perhaps such simplicity is biased in favour of forwards, but the majority of football spectators don t pay their money to see great defenders.
In addition to his goals and assists, Messi s natural ability should swing any debate in his favour, yet there remains a popular suggestion he will not be regarded as the greatest of all time until he s won the World Cup.
14 Lionel Messi
