Andres Iniesta Insists Messi’s World Cup Success Won’t End GOAT Debate

• Former FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has weighed in on the eternal GOAT debate
• Iniesta, who scored the match-winner in the 2010 World Cup, believes the debate isn't over
• Many football fans and experts tout Messi as the greatest player to have graced the sport

Andres Iniesta is of the opinion that the GOAT debate will still rage on, despite Lionel Messi's recent World Cup triumph.

Messi inspired Argentina to beat France 4-2 on penalties to claim the 2022 World Cup, after a 3-3 draw in a thrilling final at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The South Americans raced into a two-goal lead through Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, before two Kylian Mbappe goals saw the defending champions pull level in spectacular fashion.

Messi restored Argentina's lead in extra time before Mbappe completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot for France, to send the game to a penalty shootout.

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La Albiceleste eventually emerged as champions of the world, putting Messi among the pantheon of footballing greats, per Daily Mail.

However, the veteran striker's former FC Barcelona teammate Iniesta believes that arguments will still linger.

"I am sure anyone who doesn't view Messi as the best will find an excuse to keep seeing it that way, regardless of whether he won the World Cup or not," Iniesta told ESPN.

Iniesta believes Messi is the best with or without a World Cup triumph, and says winning the coveted Mundial would be a huge source of happiness for Messi beyond what others think.

"Not just for him, but for Argentina as a country. They are always in the running and the fact they've won it in the way they did, makes it totally deserved."

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GOAT debate is not over

Fans have shared varied opinions on who is the football GOAT between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, in the wake of the 2022 World Cup.

The Qatar edition of the global football tournament was touted to settle the never-ending debate, as the two football greats made their fifth and likely final appearances in the competition.

Argentina's World Cup glory had many suggesting that Messi has effectively cemented his place among the all-time football greats.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that the aftermath of Messi and Argentina winning the World Cup is not expected to be dispelled anytime soon.

Messi has been widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, but his lack of international trophies before 2021 had placed a stigma on him.

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