Messi was advised to retire if he won the World Cup 2022

"I would suggest that Messi retire if Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, because he has nothing left to rise to after winning the world," Rexach told Super Deportivo Radio. "Messi should hang up his boots when he is at the top, and there is nothing more noble than winning the World Cup."

Rexach served as Technical Director of Barca in 2000 and was the first to sign Messi for the host club Camp Nou. Two years later he became Barca coach while Messi was still training at La Masia. Also because of Messi, the former Spanish coach supported Argentina to win the World Cup. "If that happens, I celebrate in the same way that Spain won," he said.

Rexach also said that Argentines should not compare Messi to the legendary Diego Maradona. "Based on their titles and achievements, we cannot compare Maradona with Messi," the 75-year-old former coach added. "Messi has played 1,000 games, scored 800 goals and provided countless assists. He has been playing at the top level for almost 20 years. We can't ask for more from a player."

Argentina will meet the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on December 9 at Lusail Stadium. If they reach the semi-finals, Messi and his teammates will meet Brazil or Croatia on this field.

Argentina won the World Cup twice, in 1978 under the brilliance of Mario Kempes and in 1986 with Maradona. Many Argentines still think that Messi cannot compare with these two players because of the lack of World Cup titles. The 35-year-old superstar was also the best player at the 2014 World Cup, but Argentina only finished second because he lost to Germany in the final.