For many, Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi did not need to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina to be called the greatest player of all-time. Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is among those who share this belief.
“I think they deserved to win it, very good campaign and a good tournament from Argentina,” Alexander-Arnold told ESPN Argentina. “Obviously congratulations, well deserved.
“I don’t think Messi had anything left to prove to anyone. He deserved it for sure.”
"MESSI NO TENÍA QUE PROBARLE NADA A NADIE". Trent Alexander-Arnold, lateral del Liverpool, habló con #SportsCenter sobre la conquista de Leo y Argentina en Qatar.
📺 #ESPNenStarPlus pic.twitter.com/ikqZqHJbjT
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) March 31, 2023
Alexander-Arnold has been a fan of Messi for years. He once lauded the Argentine forward’s “style of play” and also called him the “best player ever.”
Messi bolstered his career resume at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as he led the way for Argentina with 10 goal contributions. He also became the first player ever to score at least one goal in all four rounds of a single World Cup knockout stage.
Messi returned to action with Argentina over the March international break, where he combined for five goal contributions in its wins over Panama and Curacao. He is expected to make PSG’s starting 11 for its upcoming Ligue 1 home fixture against Olympique Lyonnais.
