The stiffest challenge of Josko Gvardiol's career may await on Tuesday night. The RB Leipzig defender, still just 20, is set to line up in the World Cup final and face a contender not just for the Golden Ball in Qatar, but a player in the conversation as the best of all time.
Lionel Messi is not necessarily the force he was in his younger years but at 35 has still netted four goals for Argentina in the tournament so far in addition to two further assists. Against Netherlands, the PSG star proved to be the South American side's emotional leader as well as showing a deft touch of magic in supplying the ball for Nahuel Molina to score.
Overcoming Croatia and whoever should arrive in the World Cup final would cement Messi's legacy but the tournament so far has seen Gvardiol begin to forge his own. The central defender already has a burgeoning reputation but his performances en route to the semi-final so far have drawn his ability to a truly global audience.
