Lionel Messi was expected to pass the torch over to Kylian Mbappe at the World Cup to mark the end of an era. But, the 35-year-old has had other ideas and further strengthened his position as one of - if not - the best player of all time with a magical display against Croatia in the semi-finals.
He has been central to his nation's success in Qatar netting five goals, equalling the reigning champions' talisman, Mbappe - albeit with a game in hand. Many will see winning the World Cup as the perfect ending to an incredible career for Messi, particularly now that the Three Lions are out.
But, while all eyes are on what happens in the pair of semi-finals and the final, there is already plenty of speculation regarding the future of the Argentine magician. That is because he is set to decide where his future lies beyond the summer in the coming months.
