For the primary time within the 2022 version of the FIFA World Cup, all eyes can be on Lionel Messi because the charismatic chief of former world champions Argentina is about to rewrite historical past on the grandest stage of all of them. After breaking the web along with his Ballon d’Or arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi rubbished reviews about sustaining an ankle harm on the eve of Argentina’s Group C opener on the Qatar World Cup. (FIFA World Cup 2022 Stay Rating Argentina vs Saudi Arabia)
Dubbed as one of many best gamers within the trendy period of the gorgeous recreation, Argentina captain Messi will take centre stage when the two-time champions sq. off towards Saudi Arabia of their FIFA World Cup 2022 opener on the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday. Regardless that Messi’s former El Clasico rival Ronaldo has expressed his need to ‘checkmate’ the Little Magician, the in-form Argentina captain is closely tipped to eclipse the Portuguese stalwart on the Qatar World Cup.
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Ronaldo’s goal-tally
Messi will be part of the elite listing of footballing greats by kickstarting his fifth World Cup marketing campaign for Argentina on Tuesday. Marshalling his troops in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2022 opener, Messi will stay inside touching distance of surpassing Ronaldo’s goal-tally. The Paris Saint Germain (PSG) celebrity has scored 6 targets for Argentina whereas Manchester United icon Ronaldo has netted 7 for Portugal on the World Cup.
Matthaus’ all-time report
For the unversed, Messi is the most-capped participant on the World Cup when it comes to lively gamers. Messi’s arch-rival Ronaldo has performed 17 matches on the FIFA World Cup. Former Barcelona captain Messi has featured in 19 video games for Argentina on the showpiece occasion. Legendary Germany midfielder Lothar Matthaus holds the report of creating essentially the most appearances (25) within the historical past of the FIFA World Cup.
Maradona’s long-standing report
Late Diego Maradona continues to be Argentina’s most-capped participant on the FIFA World Cup because the elite event’s inception. The legendary footballer and Messi’s icon performed 21 matches for La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue) on the FIFA World Cup. Messi is all set to interrupt Maradona’s long-standing report within the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Messi-led Argentina will meet Poland in its remaining Group C fixture on the Qatar World Cup on December 1.
Gabriel Batistuta’s elusive feat
Messi can be closing on Gabriel Batistuta’s sensational feat for Argentina on the FIFA World Cup. With 10 targets to his title, the previous Fiorentina and AS Roma star has remained Argentina’s all-time main goalscorer on the FIFA World Cup. Messi has netted six targets for the two-time winners on the FIFA World Cup. If Messi extends his free-scoring run in Qatar, the 35-year-old will stay in pole place to shatter Batistuta’s report on the FIFA World Cup.
Golden Ball two-peat
Messi was honoured with Golden Ball award within the 2014 FIFA World Cup though the particular feat was nothing however a comfort for the Argentina captain on the time. Germany edged previous Messi’s Argentina within the 2014 FIFA World Cup remaining to raise the well-known trophy on the Maracana Stadium. Messi’s former Clasico rival Luka Modric was topped the winner of the Golden Ball award within the earlier version of the World Cup. Each Messi and Modric can battle for the well-known trophy on the FIFA World Cup 2022. No participant has ever received the Golden Ball twice within the historical past of the FIFA World Cup.