n the words of Roberto Rivellino, one of the stars of Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side: "If Argentina win, he'll be up there with Pele and Maradona, no doubt." Maradona, in particular, was defined by his World Cup performances and at 27, Messi could not ask for a more perfect chance to emulate his predecessor in the sky-blue and white number 10 shirt.