JEFF POWELL MBE: Why unapologetic imposter Lionel Messi is now not even in the top five players of all time - and will forever be tainted as the leader of Argentina's brutes in ugliest World Cup final ever

Jeff Powell argues that Lionel Messi's reputation as one of the greatest footballers has been tarnished by his role in the controversial and widely criticized 2022 World Cup final. Powell contends Messi's leadership of Argentina during that match, which many deemed ugly and unjust, has overshadowed his otherwise illustrious career. This critique suggests Messi's legacy is now questionable, with Powell positioning an unnamed player as the true greatest of all time. The implications highlight how a single, contentious event can dramatically shift perceptions in sports.