Lionel Messi's dominance at the 2022 World Cup has sparked a debate that was always absurd: the comparison between him and Cristiano Ronaldo. As Messi broke the World Cup scoring record with his 18th goal, the Dallas Cowboys Stadium echoed with cheers, celebrating his greatness. This achievement comes after years of tension and anticipation, as Messi's World Cup journey has been marked by pain and disappointment, especially in the 2014 final. Now, he's not only the player with the most World Cup appearances but also the tournament's all-time top scorer, with a chance to win a third Golden Ball, a Golden Boot, and a second winner's medal. His performance in the US, equaling Miroslav Klose's and Thomas Muller's goalscoring records, has raised the question of whether he could surpass Just Fontaine's single-tournament record of 13 goals. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering his age and the fact that he's playing at a level that surpasses his own previous achievements. The contrast between Messi and Ronaldo is striking. While Messi remains in peak form, Ronaldo, at 41, struggles to perform even the basics. This highlights the extraordinary nature of Messi's talent and the purity of his footballing abilities, setting him apart from Maradona and Pele. Despite the advantages of his era, Messi's dedication to his fitness and his ability to maintain his form over the years are truly remarkable. The author concludes by emphasizing that Messi's impact on Argentina is still significant, even with a relatively moderate team. The team's leaden nature against Austrian pressing could be exploited by superior sides, but Messi's talent remains undeniable. The debate about his standing is settled, and his legacy continues to grow, surpassing even that of Barcelona.
