"You deserve this title" - Brazil legend Rivaldo sends incredible message to Lionel Messi ahead of FIFA World Cup final

Brazil icon Rivaldo sent an incredible message to Argentina hero Lionel Messi after his side qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on Tuesday (December 13).

With the Selecao exiting the competition in the quarterfinals following a shootout defeat to Croatia, Rivaldo has said that he's now backing Messi to win the tournament.

He tweeted:

"We no longer have Brazil or Neymar in this cup final, so I'll stick with Argentina. No words for you Messi you deserved to be World Champion before, but God knows all things and will crown you this Sunday, you deserve this title."

Lionel Messi was his best during Argentina's 3-0 win over Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker scored the opener from the penalty spot before setting up Julian Alvarez for La Albiceleste's third.

The Argentine icon has scored five goals and contributed three assists in six games this tournament. He's the joint-top goalscorer with PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Messi is now Argentina's top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup competition with 11 goals. The forward's 25 appearances also took him level with German great Lothar Matthaus for most appearances by a player in World Cup history. Lionel Messi is set to play a 26th World Cup game in Sunday's final against France or Morocco and own the record for most games outright.

Lionel Scaloni's side will face France or Morocco in the title match on Sunday (December 18). Les Bleus and the Atlas Lions will do battle in the semifinal tonight (December 14).

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Lionel Messi says final will be his last FIFA World Cup game

Messi has said that the final will be his last World Cup outing.

Lionel Messi has said that his appearance in Sunday's final at the Lusail Stadium will be his last at a FIFA World Cup.

The legendary forward spoke in the aftermath of the win over Croatia last night. He said (via BBC Sport):

"I am very happy for finishing my journey in World Cups in a final, to play the last game in a final. That is really very gratifying."

Messi continued by revealing the emotions of his World Cup campaign, adding that he's unlikely to grace the 2026 edition.

"Everything I lived in this World Cup has been emotional, seeing how much it has been enjoyed in Argentina. There are a lot of years from this year to the next one. I don't think I will be able to do that. To finish this way is brilliant."

Messi has scored and assisted in the same game on three occasions at the 2022 World Cup.