Former indian coach Stephen Constantine has claimed that Lionel Messi is not football's greatest player ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. He went on to predict that Spain would narrowly defeat Argentina and lift the trophy.

Speaking to PTI, Constantine acknowledged that Messi is one of the greatest footballers the world has seen. However, he claimed that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is brilliant with the ball, but becomes a burden when his team is without it, saying (via Times of India):

Constantine also shared his prediction regarding the final, saying:

Lionel Messi has been one of the most outstanding and consistient players in the football world. Known for his ability to create goals, score them, and skip past defensive walls in style, the 39-year-old is a unique forward.

At the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi has proven his greatness by registering a goal contribution in every game he has played. He has scored eight goals and delivered four assists in seven games for Argentina leading up to the final.

His brilliance in attack also helped Argentina avoid defeat in all the games they've played in the tournament. Lionel Messi is also close to joining Pele and other elite stars in the list of players who have won back-to-back FIFA World Cup trophies.

Kylian Mbappe has claimed that Lionel Messi always delivers on the pitch. He added that he expects the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to score in the FIFA World Cup final.

In an interview after France lost to England in the third-place match, Mbappe spoke about the Golden Boot race involving him and Messi. He said (via Fabrizio Romano on X):

Mbappe scored 10 goals and registered four assists and leads the Golden Boot race ahead of the final between Argentina and Spain. Meanwhile, Messi, who has scored eight goals and delivered four assists, could extend his tally and win the Golden Boot. The final between Spain and Argentina will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey tonight, July 19.

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