Lionel Messi continues to defy age, leading Argentina into the World Cup final with a campaign for the ages at 39. The captain has either scored or assisted in every one of Argentina's matches, underlining his remarkable consistency on football's biggest stage. Far from slowing down, Messi has been the driving force behind his team's run, delivering decisive moments whenever they have needed him most. With eight goals and four assists already in the tournament, he has produced one of the finest World Cup campaigns in recent memory, proving that even at 39, his brilliance remains unmatched.
John Terry claims Lionel Messi was always clear of Cristiano Ronaldo. (Reuters and AFP Images)
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For years, the debate over football's greatest player has centred on Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It began to tilt heavily in Messi's favour after Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, and his extraordinary performances at the age of 39 have only widened that gap. Former England captain John Terry believes there was never a GOAT debate in his mind, insisting Messi had always been ahead of Ronaldo and that the Argentine's latest World Cup exploits have only strengthened that belief for many others.
"For me, I don't think it ever was a debate. I still think it's Messi regardless of the outcome in the World Cup final, but it was certainly cemented for a lot of people. But watching him at 39 years of age last night, honestly, I would have paid to watch that last night. Absolutely incredible," John Terry said on Sports Uncensored.
Graeme Souness was equally full of praise for Messi, describing the Argentine captain as a "freak" after another match-winning display against England. The former Liverpool midfielder marvelled at Messi's range of passing, crossing ability with both feet and the quality of his deliveries into the box, insisting his performance was far more influential than the two assists alone suggested.
"He's a freak. Some of those balls, left foot into the box. They should have scored two goals off it. One on the far post with John Stones. He was brilliant, somehow getting his body around and getting his head around. Yeah. Another one where was it McAllister who should have scored? And then on his bad foot, when they scored the second goal, he's taken, gone to the touchline and fired over a cross that the goalkeeper couldn't come for, defenders couldn't get," he said.
Terry sheds light on overlooked aspect of Messi's game
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Terry also highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of Messi's game, praising his competitiveness and physical edge. He said opponents frequently try to rough Messi up, but instead of intimidating him, it only fuels the Argentine to raise his level once he gets on the ball.
"He's so strong in the tackle, aggressive. He likes that side of it as well. And a lot of people try and go that way with him, but it actually makes him a little bit more, a little bit more fiery when he gets the ball," he said.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/John Terry insists there was never a GOAT debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
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