FIFA President: 'Messi still has to win the World Cup'

Infantino believes that only by winning the World Cup will the Argentine superstar become special.

"There are many great players who have not won the World Cup," Gianni Infantino told Argentine newspaper La Nacion. "Messi is extraordinary, but he still needs to win the World Cup."

The FIFA president visited Argentina last weekend to attend a meeting with the three-nation consortium on the 2030 World Cup. The trip by the head of the world's most powerful football body has raised suspicions. Peruvian media even wrote that the match between their team and Argentina on October 5 was "stolen" and that "the home team was guaranteed a win." In reality, the two teams drew 0-0 and Argentina was left hanging by a thread.

Infantino next to Argentine Football Federation President Claudio Tapia.

Infantino then dispelled doubts by comparing Messi to Diego Maradona. While the 30-year-old striker has yet to win a title with the national team, despite reaching the final four times, the "Golden Boy" single-handedly led Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup.

"What makes Maradona special to me is that he made everyone fall in love with football. Of course he won the World Cup," Infantino said. "We could see Messi at the 2022 World Cup. It seems that he is immune to injuries, even though the opponent wants to foul him many times."

Messi is facing the risk of staying home to watch the 2018 World Cup. His Argentina finished sixth in the South American qualifying round, not enough to secure a spot, even in the play-offs, to Russia next summer.

Argentina still have the right to decide their fate but must beat Ecuador in the final match. However, this is not an easy task because Jorge Sampaoli's team will have to play at an altitude of 2,850m above sea level in the capital Quito. Since 2000, Argentina has not won when visiting Ecuador.

According to VNE