Messi, playing in what is presumed to have been the final World Cup of his illustrious career, inspired Argentina to glory in Qatar with a series of breathtaking performances throughout the tournament.
This was the crowning moment of Messi’s career. It’s the achievement which, for many, puts him firmly alongside the late Pele and Diego Maradona on the pantheon of all-time greats.
Messi’s World Cup triumph has seen him join an exclusive list of players. The 35-year-old is the ninth players to join the ‘Triple Crown’ club.
But what is the ‘Triple Crown’ club, we hear you cry. Every player on the list has won the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League and at least one Ballon d’Or.
On his Instagram story, Kaka posted a graphic alongside the caption: Welcome to the club, Leo Messi.
The only Englishman to make the list so far, the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or in the same year (1966) before lifting the European Cup with Manchester United two years later.
One of the greatest German footballers ever – if not the greatest – Franz Beckenbauer is the only player on this list, other than Messi, to have won the Ballon d’Or more than once.
Beckenbauer’s former teammate, Gerd Muller is one of the most prolific strikers in football history. Few players either before or since Muller have made scoring goals look so straightforward.