Brazil legend Pele believes Argentine superstar Lionel Messi still has a shot at winning a World Cup title, despite the fact that the Blaugrana ace might be 31 years old when Russia host the tournament in 2018.
The Albiceleste captain, believed by many to be the greatest player to have graced the world of football, has seen the World Cup crown stand in the way of him completing his legendary status back home.
Constantly compared to Argentine idol and two-time World Cup winner Diego Maradona, La Pulga came very close to laying his hands on football's greatest prize this year.
After his disappointing performance in South Africa, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner lit up the tournament in Brazil, scoring four goals en route to the final, but suffered heartbreak after seeing his side lose 1-0 to Germany in final, in extra-time.
But according to Pele, Messi, who has made 93 appearances and registered 42 goals for his national side, will have another chance at laying his hands on the trophy come 2018.
The 73-year-old goes on further to say the 27-year-old Barcelona attacker's failure to win Argentina their first World Cup since 1986 does not take away from the player, claiming he is still a legend without the coveted trophy.
"Of course, Messi can still win a World Cup," Pele said whilst speaking to DPA.
"Messi is a very balanced player and he is in excellent physical condition. I have no doubt that he will still be around for the next World Cup.
"The loss in the final in Brazil does not take anything away from the fact that Messi is a great player. He will get another chance to shine in Russia.
"He might not have been at his best in Brazil, but that doesn't make him a bad player. Both Argentina and Brazil have had a number of players who could have won the World Cup, but didn't achieve this in the end.
"There is no doubt about it that Messi is an amazing player. We can't start doubting him because he has not won the World Cup yet."
