By Basit Jamiu
Lionel Messi is showing again in this FIFA World Cup in Qatar that he is a phenomenal player.
At the age of 35, he defied the laws of diminishing returns to power Argentina to the final yet again.
His illustrious career, filled with numerous personal awards, is missing one more claim to immortality.
The fact that he has never won the world cup has been the center of debate for years. Is he really the greatest if he had never won the most coveted prize?
Close to Glory
The magician came so close in 2014 only to be denied by Mario Gotze’s last minute goal.
Messi had to settle for a runner up with tears in his eyes.
In 2018, he only made it to the knockout stage only to be sent home by France who eventually clinched the award.
One Big Problem
The haunting gap of not winning an international trophy has haunted his impressive career. It became rife after he lost the world cup final in 2014.
It had now been put to rest after he won the Copa America in 2020 against his fiercest rival, Brazil.
Last Dance
Now 35, Messi considers this world cup to be his last. He came to Qatar with a lot of hope. To make his last dance memorable.
In his first test against Saudi Arabia, they were up by a goal before the first half only to give it up in the final part.
That loss became, as it appeared, a pillar to Argentina’s decisive dismantling of their opponents.
On analyzing the Argentinean road to the final, one would see that they combine three fireworks: determination, aggressiveness, and ruthlessness.
What’s next for the little magician?
Argentina are through to the final after beating Croatia, 3:0, in the last four. Now, Messi has another chance to redeem himself, to bury the GOAT debate, to finally become immortal.
