by Messi, 35, has won numerous club and individual trophies during his illustrious career, including the Ballon d’Or seven times.
However, success on the international stage is much more difficult.
Taking him until 2021 to win his first major trophy with Argentina, the former Barcelona star inspired his country to victory at the Copa América after finishing runners-up in the competition three times previously.
But they have never won the World Cup, coming closest at the 2014 tournament when Argentina were narrowly beaten by Germany in the final in neighboring Brazil.
The upcoming World Cup in Qatar, starting on November 20, could well be Messi’s last chance to win the tournament as a player.
And former England international Carragher says he would rather see Argentina crowned champions than the Three Lions so Messi can cement his status as the world’s greatest footballer.
“He’s the best player I think all three of us have seen,” Carragher said CBS Sportsreferring to fellow pundits Thierry Henry and Micah Richards.
“You have greats who have come in the past, Pele, maybe Johan Cruyff, of course we all saw [Diego] Maradona.
“But I would say that Lionel Messi is the best player who ever played football.
“That might not be universal because everyone socialises… you have to win a World Cup.
“I would love nothing more in Qatar than for Argentina and Lionel Messi to win the World Cup…”@Carra23 puts aside his faith in England so Lionel Messi can cement his legacy. 👀 pic.twitter.com/fXYkqv4Kss
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 5, 2022
“I would like nothing more than Qatar for Argentina and Lionel Messi to win the World Cup.
“Just to pinch him, where I see him – but in everyone’s eyes, as the greatest player to ever play the game.”
Messi looks in great form ahead of the tournament, having recently scored four goals in two games for Argentina on their recent tour of the United States.
The Argentine has now scored eight goals and provided eight assists in his 13 games for PSG this season.
He will be hoping to carry that form into next month’s World Cup, with Argentina one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Lionel Scaloni’s side face Saudi Arabia in their opening game on November 22.
They then face Mexico on November 26 before playing their final group game against Poland on November 30.
