Undoubtedly, Messi one of the greatest players of all time: Kane

Even at the age of 39, Lionel Messi’s football magic has not faded at all. His leadership, speed and ability to change the course of the match on the field are still as effective as ever.

Argentina have reached the World Cup final for the second time in a row by defeating England, and Messi was one of the heroes of this success.

After his excellent performance, England Captain Harry Kane also frankly admitted that Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Messi led Argentina’s attack from the start in the second semi-final held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Argentina was trailing 1-0 until the 84th minute of the match.

However, two extraordinary assists from this experienced forward at the last minute changed the whole scenario. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored from the opportunities he created.

England Captain Harry Kane did not hesitate to praise Messi even after the disappointment of losing in the mixed zone at the end of the match. He said, “This is what happens to the most dangerous players in the world.

When they get the ball in the final third (the area near the opponent’s penalty box), they can do magic at any moment.

Messi did that again today. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time. There are many reasons behind it.”

Both teams were very defensive in the first half. Midfield battles, physical duels and fouls took precedence over attack. As a result, Argentina and England went into the break goalless.

England took the lead in the 55th minute of the second half through Anthony Gordon.

Despite holding that gap for a long time, Argentina came back into the match under Messi’s impeccable leadership. Enzo Fernandez scored the equalizer in the 85th minute from his perfect pass.

Then Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in the second minute of added time by heading in Messi’s great cross.

Despite coming very close to victory, England had to accept defeat in the end. Argentina took advantage of a few defensive mistakes to take the match to their own. And Messi was at the heart of that dramatic comeback.

At 39, his influence, creativity and match-deciding role have proven once again that he is still equally relevant and dangerous on football’s biggest stage.

Who are with Messi in the Golden Boot race?

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are locked in a fierce battle for the World Cup Golden Boot.

Despite failing to score in the semi-final against England, Messi has strengthened his position by assisting both of Argentina’s goals.

Messi has scored 8 goals so far in the current World Cup.

His closest rival with 8 goals is French star forward Kylian Mbappe. As a result, there has been increased tension in the Golden Boot calculation before the final and third-place match.

According to FIFA rules, if multiple players have the same number of goals, assists are taken into account first. Messi is currently ahead in that position.

With the addition of two assists against England, his total assists stand at 4, while Mbappe’s assists are 3.

Both have one match each ahead of them. Messi’s Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19. On the other hand, Mbappe’s France will take on England in the third-place match.

Both have one match each. Messi’s Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19. On the other hand, Mbappe’s France will take on England in the third-place match.

If there is a tie in both goals and assists, then the total time played on the field will be taken into account.

The footballer who plays fewer minutes and scores the same number of goals and assists will be ahead in winning the Golden Boot.

Norway’s Erling Haaland is also still in the running. He has 7 goals in the tournament.

However, since Norway has already been eliminated, he has no chance to increase his goal tally.

Meanwhile, England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are not completely eliminated.

Both have 6 goals and 1 assist. If they can do something big in the third-place match, they can change the equation, although it will be a tough challenge for them to surpass Messi and Mbappe.