Lionel Messi: Big claim made about future of Barcelona superstar

That is the view of ESPN FC pundit and former goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

Messi and Argentina came close to winning the World Cup three years ago in Brazil, losing 1-0 in extra time to Germany in the final.

Now, Argentina are dangerously close to missing out on qualification for next year’s tournament in Russia.

With Messi turning 31 next June, this may be his last chance to lift the most prestigious trophy in football.

The forward is regarded by many as the greatest to have played the game but Hislop does not agree, yet.

“I’ve answered that part of the question many a time,” the former West Ham star said of the Barcelona man.

“I don’t think he qualifies as the greatest that’s ever played without winning the game’s greatest prize.”

Hislop admits it is impossible to decide who is the best play of all time if you have not seen some contenders play.

“That kind of sums up the attitude,” he added.

“If you’ve not seen that player play then they can’t be the greatest. 

“Hence, people who haven’t seen Pele play, who haven’t seen (Diego) Maradona play, won’t ever say they are better than Lionel Messi.”