According to Brazil's 2002 World Cup champion Rivaldo, Lionel Messi will triumphantly lead Argentina in the final on Sunday. Messi is deserving of winning the World Cup.
Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday in the semifinals, with Messi scoring once from the penalty spot and setting up another goal for Julian Alvarez after a strong individual run.
Messi became the first player to score and assist in four World Cup games on the day he matched Lothar Matthaus' all-time mark of 25 appearances.
Due to Brazil losing in the quarterfinals and Messi becoming the Albiceleste's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup with his 11th goal, Rivaldo is rooting for Messi to win the championship.
"We no longer have Brazil or Neymar in this cup final, so I'll stay with Argentina. No words for you Leo Messi," Rivaldo wrote on Instagram.
"You already deserved to be world champion before, but God knows all things and will crown you this Sunday.
"You deserve this title for the person you are and for the wonderful football you always played. Hats off to you. God bless you."
Messi's penalty on Tuesday also made him the first Argentina player to score in five games at a single World Cup, with Poland the only side to prevent him from netting in Qatar.
Messi wrote to Instagram after the win: "We came back to gain strength to play another great match.
"Thank you very much to everyone who trusted this group! Come on Argentina!"