Messi the new 'Penaldo' and GOAT, Mbappe is the future - Fans react to 'best World Cup final'

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappe have received praise from fans following their heroic performances in the 2022 World Cup.

Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph after scoring twice in Sunday’s final to take his tally in the tournament to seven while Mbappe was the Golden Boot winner after netting eight, including a hat-trick in the final which made him only the second man to achieve such a feat.

The performances of the Paris Saint-Germain forwards have seen fans crown Messi the Greatest Player of All Time while there are those who feel Mbappe should stake claim to the accolade since he overshadowed his clubmate on the day.

Even though he didn't feature in the final, Cristiano Ronaldo was naturally also on the minds of most fans in the GOAT debate, particularly earlier in the game when some fans were upset with Argentina receiving a penalty.

No debate, Messi is the GOAT

Say it without fear. Lionel Messi is officially the greatest footballer of all time. -Ibrahim Bello

I'm lucky to have witnessed Lionel Andres Messi play. What a footballer and what a career. -Castro Mendoza

That debate of who's the GOAT is over. Any argument from today is more of noise than substance.

-Nkwelmenongene Tony Boris

At least now we know who is the GOAT, it's been more than 15 years disrespecting Messi. -Ayanda Magwaza

GOAT dispute ends tonight. We have been graced by one of the best footballers around. Lionel Messi goes down in history as the GOAT. No player would achieve what this guy managed. The general of world football if only [the late Diego] Maradona could see this. -Dezario Ruvanne Adams

No debate about who the GOAT is. One is lifting the trophy while the other one has a thermos full of porridge somewhere in Lisbon. -Gideon Bansel

France worthy challengers

France was really a worthy challenger for Argentina. Mbappe did all he could, but fate must happen, it’s a must. -Blessing Godwin Aremu

I was behind France and they didn't embarrass me. The football was really between champions. -Bright Kodom

Messi scoring penalties just like Ronaldo

They slandered [Cristiano] Ronaldo, called him Penaldo for scoring penalties yet [Lionel] Messi has been doing the exact same thing. - @CFCDUBois

Mbappe better than Ronaldo, Messi combined

Indeed [Kylian] Mbappe is beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi combined. Based on his age, his performance from [the] last World Cup and today's [Sunday’s] performance has shown that Mbappe is in his own class. A new GOAT we have and the next Ballon d'Or winner. -Permenus John Opiyo Omogusii

History will be kind to Messi & Ronaldo

I rejoice with Messi for such a beautiful and remarkable career. What a joy to finish well. History will never forget Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. GOATs in football. -Ifeoluwa Olajide

Best World Cup final ever

Ahhhhh what a game. What a final. Swung like a pendulum. Messi masterclass. Supreme from Mbappe. Messi's goated career gets the end it deserved. Beautiful. -@simplyaleeee

What a World Cup final! What a tense of heartbeats and shocks. This was the best final ever, congrats Argentina and Leo Messi. -Omphile Raff Coins Masala

Mbappe the future GOAT

We expected Messi vs Ronaldo but we got better drama, better rivalry, Messi vs Mbappe. Mbappe is just extraordinary with the hat-trick. Surely, he'll be the GOAT in the future. What a game and what a final. -@azim_azmn97

Mbappe just won my heart. He will forever be my favourite player ever. -Ogar Sunday Reus