1978 - Daniel Passarella, 1986 - Diego Maradona, 2022 - Lionel Messi. The legacy is complete.
But the journey in Qatar began on the worst note possible for the current Argentina captain and his band of eventually merry men.
He stepped up to the spot against Saudi Arabia in their opening game of Qatar 2022 and in an almost nonchalant way slotted in his first goal of FIFA 2022, becoming the first Argentinian to score in 4 World Cups.
Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais really didn't stand a chance against Lionel Messi once Argentina were awarded a penalty in just the 7th minute of play.
He dived the wrong way - a quick little clever stop just before kicking the ball and Messi sent the ball in the other direction. Can't blame the keeper. He was staring at a player who is undoubtedly one of the best ever. Messi celebrated with his teammates - a big smile on his face.
He was staring at a player who is undoubtedly one of the best ever. Messi celebrated with his teammates - a big smile on his face.