RECORD-BREAKER: Lionel Messi has scored 21 World Cup goals and recorded nine assists but he also continues to lead controversy in the American World Cup.

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When the dust settles, there might only be one GOAT: Lionel Messi. The Argentine's performance in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup title defense across North America has been nothing short of outstanding since the tournament kicked off.

Messi turned 39 on June 24. However, he has torn up the script to age backward in North America, arguably performing as the best player of the tournament since the first ball was kicked at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico.

He has aged gracefully through his exceptional understanding and reading of the game. His legs might lack pace, but they are still full of awareness, execution, and creativity, enabling him to keep making football look simple.

Messi's supporting cast has ensured they play for him, allowing their captain to enjoy himself and live through the euphoria he brings to the team and, crucially, to the supporters in the stands, at home, and all over the world.

Messi has created at least nine moments of sheer brilliance at the ongoing showpiece. He has scored a whopping eight goals and provided one assist in only five matches – contributions that have further etched his name into the history books.

The Argentine is now recognised as the World Cup’s all-time top goalscorer with 21 goals so far, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal record during this tournament. He has also cemented his status as a world and Argentine great with nine assists, beating Diego Maradona's tally of eight.

His contribution was immense in guiding the team to the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland, after scoring a brace and registering an assist in the 3-2 come-from-behind win over Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.

Despite his impressive displays with each passing game, the Argentine remains humble. He knows he isn’t without flaws; he acknowledged that had his teammates not inspired the fightback against Egypt, his earlier penalty miss could have come back to haunt them.

It wasn't the first time Messi has had to show a never-say-die attitude and bounce back from a missed penalty at this World Cup. He also missed from the spot against Austria but went on to score a brace, breaking Klose’s record in the process.

His mental fortitude is what makes him stand head and shoulders above the rest, particularly his closest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Unlike the latter, Messi gets things done for the team and is the first to admit when he isn’t at his best.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, believes he can do no wrong. He was reportedly asked recently whether he is unhappy when he is on the bench or when he doesn't play. He reportedly replied: “When I am not in the starting lineup.”

For all his insistence on being a starter, the Portuguese superstar hastened his team’s Round of 16 exit rather than averting it. He offered little creativity in the final third, while his passing and shooting left a lot to be desired throughout the match.

Ultimately, the drive between the two players is miles apart. Ronaldo once incredibly described winning the 2016 Euros with Portugal as equivalent to winning the World Cup. Messi, meanwhile, seems like he won’t rest until he wins his second World Cup in a row.

With Ronaldo having confirmed that this was his final World Cup, he is set to end his career without winning the coveted trophy. The same cannot be said for Messi, who shared the international stage with him competing for major titles for years.

Messi is still hitting all the right notes, playing at the same – if not a higher – competitive level with the sensational Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Having already won eight Ballon d’Ors compared to the younger duo, who are still chasing their first, Messi could very well end this global showpiece as the undisputed Greatest of All Time.