Dmitry Kombarov, a former member of the Russian national team, weighed in on the enduring debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after Argentina clinched the 2022 World Cup title in a dramatic final. Speaking to Sport Express, Kombarov offered his perspective on how the two football icons compare at the peak of their powers and what Messi’s triumph means in the context of Ronaldo’s storied career and European glory.
According to Kombarov, Messi may have edged Ronaldo in the eyes of many fans and analysts, at least in the current conversation about who holds the wider range of achievements and influence on the game. He acknowledged Ronaldo’s greatness and his success with the European Championship, while noting that the World Cup, which has long been the ultimate stage for national teams, did not align with Ronaldo’s aspirations for global glory. In Kombarov’s view, Messi has gathered virtually every major accolade available to a footballer, and the totality of his trophy cabinet has contributed to the belief that he stands among the all-time greats, if not at the very summit of football history. In his assessment, Lionel Messi has become, for many observers, the greatest player of all time, a status earned through consistency, breathtaking skill, and a habit of rising to the moment when it matters most.
The World Cup final delivered a spectacle worthy of its reputation, pitting Argentina against France in a match that finished level at the end of regular time and extra periods. The game extended into a dramatic conclusion as penalties determined the winner, with Argentina prevailing 4:2 in the shootout. This victory sealed a triumph that carried immense national pride and cemented a memorable chapter in the tournament’s lore, illustrating how the World Cup can magnify the legacies of those who lead their teams to glory on football’s biggest stage.
For Argentina, the World Cup success marked the country’s third championship in the event’s long and storied history, following the triumphs achieved in 1978 and 1986. The victory added another illustrious line to Argentina’s rich footballing tradition, a narrative of passion and resilience that has resonated across generations of fans. The 2022 title reinforced the country’s standing as one of the sport’s enduring powerhouses, capable of producing moments that captivate millions around the world and inspire hope in the face of intense competition on the world’s grandest stage.
In a separate context that blends the worlds of sport and mentorship, Alexei Mishin, a renowned former figure skating coach, drew a parallel to Lionel Messi by comparing him with Evgeni Plushenko. The analogy highlighted how elite athletes in different disciplines can share a common thread: the ability to combine technical precision with a sense of artistry that elevates their performances beyond mere results. Mishin’s remarks underscored the perception that Messi’s artistry on the pitch echoes the expressive depth seen in Plushenko’s most memorable programs, reinforcing the notion that extraordinary talent can transcend specific sports while still leaving a lasting imprint on fans and aspiring athletes alike.