Can’t lose two World Cup finals in a row. How does this final not reinforce his legacy? That works both ways. Sporting greatness does come down to moments, it’s hard to argue otherwise
Lionel Messi | PSG Watch
- Thread starter Samid
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I have no idea why as I have no connection to Argentina, but seeing the Argies celebrate makes me genuinely happy. Celebrations in Buenos Aires will be insane.
Certainly the best I've seen play. Can't stand him but he's right up there in the goat conversation.
Incredible, so happy for him. The greatest ever, deserved to go out with a WC win
Its not 2 wc finals in a row. And today again showed its a team sport.
The greatest of all time.
It would have been 2 World Cup finals in a row though since he would have only played two World Cup finals.
This game was all about Individual brilliance, if anything it goes against your team sport point. It was the Messi v Mbappe final
Well, there no longer is a ‘but’ for him; if he’s your GOAT, there’s little to no caveat against him anymore.
It was more about penalties above all else even before the shootout.
Said in another thread Ronaldo did so well to get into the conversation post 2012 but other than goalscorring and heading there's no measure by which Ronaldo is better.
Lionel Messi is the first player to score in the group stage, round of 16, quater-final, semi-final and final in a single edition of the World Cup.
Up there with Zidane's 2006. Incredible WC performance by Messi.
Happy for him to finally get it done
Undisputed GOAT now.
Will he be treated any differently in France now?
Tbh he should just retire now. Ending on a ultimate high
I wouldn't think so, at least I hope not. Let's ask our Caf French resident @JPRouve
What a final from him. The goals under pressure (could have had the dramatic winner) of cour3 but also the playmaking was stellar. At 35 this has been a staggering effort from him.
Best player on the pitch in basically every world cup game he's played while being 35. Absolutely incredible player, to raise his level that high takes some mentality when he is on basically average level physically.
GOAT and it's not even questionable anymore, he did everything a single player could do in his career. Mbappe is absolutely ridiculous player who will easily win couple of Ballon d'Ors and he looked average in this world cup in comparision with 35 year old Messi, that just goes to show good he is.
He might as well retire now, it would be probably the best for his legacy(even though he obviously won't do that).
GOAT and it's not even questionable anymore, he did everything a single player could do in his career. Mbappe is absolutely ridiculous player who will easily win couple of Ballon d'Ors and he looked average in this world cup in comparision with 35 year old Messi, that just goes to show good he is.
He might as well retire now, it would be probably the best for his legacy(even though he obviously won't do that).
Nope, Mbappe has 1 more than him.
Ball is for player of tournament
I'd say prime Messi was harder to knock off the ball than Ronaldo (he certainly is now) and by far a better dribbler so whatever physical advantages Ronaldo had are negated by Messi's sheer talent. Both have diminished physically but Messi still creates, effects games and has that class.
Please don't retire yet
Yup. People sometimes get confused as to why he's awarded the MOTM so often. But just look at his link up play even today in addition to his goalscoring. He scored in every knockout game and was usually the best player on the pitch. At 35 that is an amazing accomplishment.
What kind of welcome will he get in Paris.. 
Oh, I got it mixed up with the one they give for most goals.
No need to retire, he could keep playing as a deep lying playmaker for the next decade and be amongst the best in the world at it, that's what a ridiculously talented player he is
Favourite for the Balon d'or now, even if PSG does a belly flop in the Champions League.
One thing we’ll find out now is how much love he has left for the game itself. He has nothing left to play for; not even a reason to maintain his fitness or level unless he wants to.
Everything from now on is bonus stage and it will be very interesting indeed to see how he plays and for how much longer.
Everything from now on is bonus stage and it will be very interesting indeed to see how he plays and for how much longer.
He hasn't lifted the trophy yet so he's still not the greatest
What kind of welcome will he get in Paris..
I don't think there will be an ounce of resentment from the parisian crowd. His club will probably hope he brings some of this mojo into their CL campaign.
Yeah, he could play in midfield for next few years and become one of best midfielfers too, but considering the bar he set people will question him because he won't score goal a game.
in that chaotic part after the 2-2, all the way to the penalties, he really turned it on. no dribbling today, but a series of great passes that led to chance after chance.
I'm thinking the same and would love it if je ent back to Barca for a final stint. Best play into his 40s, if necessary as an impact sub. But I have the feeling the WC win makes it only more probable that he cally it quits or goes into semi retirement in a not so competitive league.
The GOAT, just a fecking ridiculous player. To do it for as long as he has as well is just fecking wonky. Came up huge for them when they needed it this tournament.
A very good one I think. They'll be very respectful.What kind of welcome will he get in Paris..
He played this tournament like man possed, creating, scoring, tackling even, led his team by example and deserves every accolade that comes his way.
Will always adore Ronaldo and his exploits, 1996-1999, wc 2002 and question "what if", but Messi is best I've ever seen.
Will always adore Ronaldo and his exploits, 1996-1999, wc 2002 and question "what if", but Messi is best I've ever seen.
Incredible WC from him.
He was incredible. He's truly cemented his legacy.
He was incredible. He's truly cemented his legacy.