Lionel Messi is on a par with Diego Maradona and deserves to lift the World Cup for the first time on Sunday, believes his former Argentina team-mate Javier Zanetti.
Argentina will appear in their sixth World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, when they will look to prevent France from becoming the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
Messi will claim the World Cup appearance record outright by playing his 26th and likely final game at the tournament, while he could become the first player to record 20 goal contributions in the competition (currently 11 goals, eight assists).
The Argentina captain's talismanic displays in Qatar have been compared with those of Maradona during the Albiceleste's 1986 triumph, and Zanetti cannot split the legendary duo.
"Messi is a great player, I think he's on a par with Diego," he told reporters in Doha on Thursday.
"I think a lot of people want Messi to win because of what he represents in the world and because of the way he interprets football.
"Leo deserves it and the boys are making a great effort to get to that moment. He is the strongest player in the world and he makes a difference on the field."
However, the Inter great is not taking victory for granted, adding: "I hope that Argentina can bring the World Cup to our country.
"I'm worried about [Kylian] Mbappe, [Antoine] Griezmann, [Olivier] Giroud, if [Adrien] Rabiot plays he is a quality player, and they have a great goalkeeper.
"It's a group that has been working for a long time with this coach. It's a very complete team, very organised. But it's a final and anything can happen."
Meanwhile, fellow former Argentina international Diego Milito hailed Messi's displays as he said both sides were deserving of their place in the final.
"We know him, we know what he is capable of, that he is the best player in the world," Milito said of Messi. "He is having an extraordinary World Cup and he deserves it.
"The best two teams reached the final. It's a very difficult match but we are confident in the team.
"We are happy to be able to be in the final. Hopefully this Sunday will be a good final and we can achieve what we have been looking forward to for a long time.
"This team has given much joy to the people, they have come on a path from the [2021] Copa America, and must be very happy and excited."
Astro Arena
Thu Dec 15 2022
The Argentina captain's talismanic displays in Qatar have been compared with those of Maradona during the Albiceleste's 1986 triumph, and former teammate Javier Zanetti cannot split the legendary duo. - stadiumastro
How Italy's tax system got rigged for the rich
Italy's tax system is skewed in a way that lets society's wealthiest 7% pay proportionately less tax than low and middle-income earners.
Monsoon surge from Dec 8-14 in eastern part of Peninsula - MetMalaysia
The concentration of wind is expected to occur in Kelantan and Terengganu from Tuesday evening until the early morning of Wednesday.
Australian social media ban started with call to act by politician's wife
The proposed social media ban held the door open for teens over 14 to keep using social media with parental permission.
New US solar tariffs on Southeast Asia to raise prices, cut profit margins
The new duties extend the United States' anti-dumping regime in Southeast Asia to solar cells, from just finished modules previously.
Vocational college student's murder: Victim was hit more than once, says friend
The 10th prosecution witness says was able to witness the incident a hiss view was not obstructed by any object as he was at a high place.
Guinea stadium crush kills 56 people after disputed refereeing decision
According to the Guinean government, the violence broke out over a contested goal.
ASEAN: Malaysia’s theme challenges systems that marginalise developing nations - PM
PM says Malaysia must use every regional and international platform available to address shared concerns directly with key partners.
Thailand, Malaysia brace for fresh wave of floods as water levels ease
Some displaced residents were able to return home and the worst floods in decades began receding in some areas.
Amendment to Communications Act introduces prison sentence for offences against children
The new subsection also stipulates an additional fine of RM5,000 for each day or part of a day that the offence continues after conviction.
No need to postpone SPM as MOE has mechanisms to address flood issues - Education DG
Azman Adnan says MoE is confident the issue involving students sitting for these examinations during the disaster can be properly managed.
Trump names his daughter’s father-in-law, as a senior adviser on Middle East
Massad Boulos is yet another name from Trump's inner family to work with in his upcoming second term.
New Zealand suspends poultry exports after first case of H7 bird flu
Tests confirms the H7N6 subtype of bird flu at a rural chicken farm in the Otago region, according to Biosecurity New Zealand.
Malaysia urges Chinese firms to avoid using it to dodge U.S. tariffs
Washington is expected to further curb exports to Chinese semiconductor toolmakers and sales of certain chipmaking equipment, including products manufactured in Malaysia.
Asia's factories perk up on China recovery but Trump risks loom
Many Chinese exporters are scrambling to get their goods to major markets ahead of tariffs from the US and European Union.
Proposed Australia law would fine Big Tech over digital competition
The consultation process is scheduled to end on Feb. 14 and more discussions will be done to prepare the draft legislation.
PM urges private sector to step up flood relief efforts
In the current situation, it is good not only to contribute funds but also to deploy machinery, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Biden says he has pardoned his son, Hunter
I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision, says President Joe Biden.
Home Ministry deploys PDRM personnel, assets for flood relief efforts
The KDN Ihsan MADANI Squad is also on standby for post-flood assistance to flood victims.
Egypt hosts Hamas in new Gaza ceasefire push, looting halts aid
Hamas leaders held talks with Egyptian security officials in a fresh push for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, according to two Hamas sources.
Government provides additional allocation for post-flood measures - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says, if the water is receding, there is a responsibility to restore the situation.