#1. He would have achieved cult status in Argentina
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time alongside the legendary Brazilian Pele. He was also the joint FIFA player of the century alongside Pele. But the primary reason for that is his exploits with Argentina during the 1986 World Cup. He was instrumental in his side's World Cup triumph where he scored or assisted 10 of Argentina's 14 goals in the tournament. Moreover, he won the golden ball for his heroics with Argentina, who were not fancied to win the tournament in the first place. This is the reason why he has achieved cult status in the nation.
As a football crazy nation, the Argentines can't fathom the fact that one of the greatest players of this generation has been unable to guide his nation to World Cup glory. Although Messi has tried his best and has guided Argentina to 4 major International finals, the lack of silverware has prompted them to feel that Messi isn't the same player with Argentina as he is with Barcelona. Had Messi won the World Cup this time around, he would have definitely achieved cult status in Argentina, much like his peer Maradona.