Lionel Messi: 3 ‘Diego Maradona Records’ Argentina Captain Is Chasing at Qatar 2022 World Cup

• The 2022 FIFA World Cup might be might the best chance for Lionel Messi to break some of the legendary Diego Maradona's records
• Argentina is bidding to win their third World Cup title in Qatar, which is also Messi’s last World Cup appearance for his country
• Argentina has been pitted against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C of the Mundial, scheduled to kick off on November 20

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has broken numerous records which may be hard for future generations to breach.

The 35-year-old has already secured his place in football history, having racked up several accolades since he made his professional debut in 2004.

However, some football fans believe the Barcelona legend needs to win the World Cup, in order to be regarded as a true icon on the level of Diego Maradona in his country.

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The empyrean Argentine will be hoping to lead his country to their third World Cup title in the Middle East, having already won the tournament in 1978 and 1986.

The South American giants are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy in Qatar and are unbeaten in 35 matches coming into the World Cup.

But it is worth noting as well that Messi could also beat a couple of Maradona's World Cup records.

1. Most capped Argentina player

The most capped Argentine player in World Cup history is Maradona. He played in four World Cup tournaments, making 21 appearances on football's greatest stage.

Messi has so far played 19 World Cup games, and only needs three caps to surpass Maradona's total.

Barring any injury or suspension, Messi could become the most capped Argentine player in history during the group stages of Qatar 2022.

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Argentina are pitted against Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in Group C.

2. Record number of assists

Maradona has provided the most assists at the World Cup in Argentina's history. The Napoli legend has registered eight assists, including five at the 1986 Munidal where Argentina were crowned champions.

Messi currently has notched five assists for his nation, and he'll need three more to best Maradona's feat in Qatar.

3. Most World Cup goals

Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer, but he only sits fifth when it comes to World Cup goals.

Maradona has scored eight goals but he also is not the all-time top scorer. That record belongs instead to Gabriel Batistuta, who has netted 10 times at the World Cup.

Messi is on six - and should Argentina go all the way in Qatar - it's hard to imagine them doing it without their star man chipping in with several goals.

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4 records Messi can break

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Messi will make another attempt at winning the World Cup trophy in likely his last Mundial outing.

Given that Messi is considered among the greatest footballers of all time, the one accolade so far eluding him is the coveted title.

35-year-old Messi is set to become the youngest player to participate in five World Cups, when he leads La Albiceleste out in their opener against Saudi Arabia on November 22.