Lionel Messi has all but wrapped up the debate when it comes to the greatest players in football history. After breaking the record to become the World Cup’s top goalscorer, the Argentine has just cemented his status at the very top further.

Following the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, the 39-year-old had virtually completed the sport. There’s very little for him to prove, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is proving he’s still the best on the biggest stage.

One man who would argue against Messi’s reputation as the best to ever grace a football pitch is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward has always been vocal in his opinion that no one is better than him. His messages to ex-teammate Rio Ferdinand suggest he doesn’t enjoy the comparisons, though.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Obsession’ to Be World’s Best

Phil Noble via Reuters

Speaking at Euro 2020, Ferdinand explained what separated Ronaldo from the rest in terms of his mentality. “He was an obsessed human in terms of becoming the best,” he said of his old Manchester United colleague (per The Mirror).

The retired England defender then went on to wax lyrical about Ronaldo’s ability to play well beyond the age of 30, which is when others begin to slow down. He continued:

“It’s not just about physically but mentally. His touches have gone down since he was a young kid in 2004, but obviously the touches in the box where he’s going to affect games have gone up,” Ferdinand concluded.

Ronaldo’s Messages About Lionel Messi

Credit: Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Gary Lineker was present on the show and Ferdinand explained how the ex-England striker managed to wind up Ronaldo. Lineker has always been vocal in his support of Messi in the debate between the two icons.

But the Man Utd legend wasn’t best pleased when hearing Lineker openly backing his long-term foe. He made sure to let Ferdinand know through some angry text messages.

“It’s a great example to young players and he uses negativity as fuel. You’ve [Gary Lineker] said some things like your preference would be Messi out of the two,” Ferdinand told Lineker.

Ronaldo uses the negativity to fuel his own performances, according to Ferdinand. He’ll certainly need to do that if he’s to catch up at the World Cup. Nonetheless, Rio added:

Lionel Messi moved ahead of Miroslav Klose to become the highest-scoring player in World Cup history during Argentina’s 1-0 win over Austria.

The 39-year-old was given the opportunity to break the record from the penalty spot when Lautaro Martinez was fouled inside the area. However, Messi missed the 33rd spot-kick of his career, firing comfortably wide from 12 yards out.

It didn’t take him long to get over that miss, as the diminutive Inter Miami superstar struck with his left foot in the 38th minute. He swept the ball home after Argentina moved the ball from back to front in rapid fashion. But should it have counted?

Messi Told First Goal Should’ve Been Overturned

Credit: Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Messi is now the leading scorer in the competition’s long history, ahead of the likes of Klose, Ronaldo Nazario and Gerd Muller, with 18 strikes in total. His late second gave him breathing space ahead of his nearest competitor.

However, there is a belief that his first goal vs Austria – the record-breaking strike – should’ve been ruled out. According to Peter Schmeichel, at least.

The Manchester United icon was working on FOX Sport’s coverage of the game, and gave his thoughts at half-time. He believed the referee and VAR should have taken the goal away from Messi due to a foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up.

“Think about how they get the penalty; this is a kick from behind through Xaver Schlager,” Schmeichel said. The retired goalkeeper then added that it was a ‘clear and obvious’ mistake, saying:

Schmeichel even said: “And for that I feel a little bit frustrated.” Messi may have netted a second and broken the record anyway, but the slight doubt over the goal that pushed him ahead of Klose could annoy some.

Messi Creates Unwanted Record at World Cup

Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters

Of course, Messi broke the goalscoring record, regardless of how Schmeichel or anyone else feels after netting a second goal. However, there is one statistic from the same game that the greatest footballer ever will want to forget as soon as possible.

After stepping up and missing his first-half penalty, Messi became the player to have missed the most from the spot in World Cup history. He’s been unmatched when it comes to finding the net, so it seems hard to believe that he struggles from 12 yards out. But Messi has now missed three penalties on football’s biggest stage.