FIFA World Cup 2022: Lionel Messi ends 'GOAT' debate with his trophy cabinet now full

Lionel Messi.

The man. The myth. The legend. Now, a World Champion!

Sunday night brought about the perfect end to the bitter memories of the 2014 final against Germany and got himself the only piece of silverware missing from his trophy cabinet.

The Atomic Flea also emulated his idol Maradona, who inspired a generation of footballers with his heroics in Argentina's 1986 triumph. And now Messi has made his own place in history, ensuring people will always remember the 2022 World Cup for how he led the Sky Blue & Whites to the title.

He also picked up the Player of the tournament award, his second of the career and the first time a player has won the award twice.

Coming back from retirement after the 2016 Copa America disappointment, Messi now has three international trophies to his name which only adds to his legend, taking his total career honours as a first-team player to an extraordinary 42.

While the debate over who's the GOAT has raged on for many years, Messi's World Cup triumph means there's no disputing who gets the bragging rights.

And for the Ballon d'Or, he's now favourite to be crowned the Best Player in the World for a record 8th time.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Who will win the Golden Boot?