Chelsea legend Joe Cole has claimed that Lionel Messi has surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona in the GOAT debate after winning the FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo, who recently turned 38, hasn’t won a World Cup in his career.

On the other hand, Diego Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina back in 1986 when La Albiceleste defeated West Germany.

Meanwhile, Messi was at his absolute best in the FIFA World Cup as he scored seven goals and provided three assists. Messi scored a brace in the all-important final against France and he was awarded the Golden Ball for his exemplary performance.

Cole told BT Sport, “There’s always a debate. What he has put to bed is the debate about this generation because he’s won it all.”

Meanwhile, Messi and Argentia weren’t at their best at the start of the tournament as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia in their opening game.

“Earlier on in the tournament, he was struggling, and there were question marks. But he carried them. I’ve never seen a player like him – I think he’s the greatest player of all time; only Pele has a case against him. I think he stands next to him – not Ronaldo or Maradona, above them.”

Messi was able to prove his mettle in the World Cup and completed his childhood dream of winning the biggest prize in world football.

La Pulga, as he is famously known, has had a glorious career, scoring 704 goals and providing 333 assists in 859 games in his club career. Furthermore, Messi has won Ballon d’Or on a record seven occasions.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that PSG Saint-Germain are preparing for the possible exit of the talismanic duo of Neymar and Messi.