{"id":1538723,"date":"2022-11-17T13:39:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T18:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/?p=1538723"},"modified":"2022-11-17T13:39:01","modified_gmt":"2022-11-17T18:39:01","slug":"dont-let-goat-debates-winning-streaks-world-cup-records-distract-you-from-appreciating-lionel-messi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/news\/dont-let-goat-debates-winning-streaks-world-cup-records-distract-you-from-appreciating-lionel-messi\/","title":{"rendered":"Don't Let GOAT Debates, Winning Streaks, and World Cup Records Distract You From Appreciating Lionel Messi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some things transcend boundaries and become near-universal truths. One of those is that sports fans love a good debate over historical greatness. In the world of soccer<\/a>, that argument tends to focus on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi<\/a>. The two men can't not be juxtaposed against each other, especially when they're both playing at a World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2022 edition of the tournament will only take that one step further. Both stars are (probably) playing in their final World Cup<\/a>, making this a legacy-shaping event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, through that lens, I have a request: Forget all the talk about GOATs, overall bodies of work, and everything else. And just watch Messi play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lionel
Make sure to appreciate Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup. | Elsa\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another thing that sports fans and media can't resist is a good narrative. And, coming into the 2022 World Cup, there are plenty swirling around Lionel Messi and Argentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest storyline is how winning the title would affect the diminutive forward's legacy. While he did manage to find some international success in the Copa America, Messi has never led Argentina to a World Cup title. That reality is held up as a blemish on an otherwise impeccable resume, suggesting that, despite countless domestic titles, the former Barcelona man can't win the big one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things also escalate to another level when Cristiano Ronaldo enters the mix. Throughout their respective careers, he and Messi have posited as opposing forces in a struggle for footballing supremacy. Now, with both men coming to the tail end of their careers — CR7 seems to be trying to end his as immediately as possible — this is the final showdown. A World Cup win would theoretically prove who's better once and for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Messi vs Ronaldo for the World Cup? \ud83c\udfc6\ud83e\udd29

A bold prediction...\ud83d\udda5\ufe0f
#BBCFootball<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/aGr0YvI3y5<\/a><\/p>— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 28, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>