Lionel Messi: 5 Reasons why the star will never win a major trophy with Argentina

#1 The Age Factor

Will he retire as the greatest player never to have won a World Cup?

Lionel Messi is having yet another spectacular season at Barcelona, smashing 37 goals in all competitions while providing an astonishing 15 assists. The Argentine is 31 now and will be 34 by the time of the 2022 World Cup.

Age can take a toll on the best of players and not even Messi is immune from its effects. Argentina's recent inconsistent results, combined with the lack of a core team structure means they have virtually no chance to progress far in the 2019 Copa America, with Brazil, Uruguay, and defending champions Chile looking strong.

With the combination of all the mercurial youngsters Brazil, France, England, Germany, and Spain have at their disposal hitting their prime and Messi nearing retirement age, the hopes that La Pulga can lead Argentina to the title in 2022 are slim at best.

Is he the greatest player of his generation? Arguably yes! But will he retire as the greatest player never to have won the World Cup alongside players like Johan Cruyff, Alfredo di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, Michel Platini, and Zico? - in all probability - yes.