God-given ability is not the only reason Messi is in a league of his own

With a staggering eight goals and four assists to his name in North America, Messi is just one win away from leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup success.

Spain stand in the way on Sunday night but Zabaleta is confident the greatest player the game has ever seen will guide the holders to glory once again.

Having played alongside him for La Albiceleste, the former Manchester City and West Ham man is well placed to know exactly what makes Messi tick.

Speaking to FIFA, Zabaleta said: “I don’t think players become the best in the world purely because of their technical ability.

“There has to be something else as well — and for me that’s the constant desire to improve, year after year, regardless of what they’ve already achieved.

“His mentality is extraordinary. He’s won almost everything the game has to offer, yet he’s never become complacent. If anything, every success seems to have driven him to achieve even more.

“Wherever Messi has played, success tends to follow. Even at 39, and despite concerns over his fitness before the tournament, he’s shown once again how influential he remains.

“He gives his all and continues to make the difference when it matters most. He’s in a league of his own.

“His talent and technical ability are obvious to everyone, but what truly separates him from the rest is his competitive mindset.

“He’s remained at the very top of the game for more than two decades because he’s never stopped looking for ways to improve. Very few players in any era have managed that.”

Messi may not have scored against England on Wednesday night but he provided both assists as Argentina grabbed two late goals to book their place in the final.

After teeing up Enzo Fernandez to rifle home a superb equaliser in the 85th minute, the Inter Miami star delivered a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner in stoppage time.

And Zabaleta, 41, was not surprised to see Messi drag his side back from the brink of defeat.

Reflecting on being on international duty with the ex-Barcelona superstar, he said: “We played a lot of small-sided games. If you were on Messi’s team you were almost guaranteed to win comfortably. I loved it.

“If you happened to be up against him, though, it was a different story. He made life very difficult for you.

“It was a privilege to watch a player with that level of talent at such a young age. He was impressive.”

While Spain will not allow him as much space as England did, Zabaleta clearly believes we could be treated to another Messi masterclass on Sunday night.

DAZN/FIFA

Watch the world's best football on DAZN

After the World Cup is over, there is so much great football still to watch on DAZN.

Premier League: All English top flight matches live and in full in Canada

Serie A: Watch all 380 matches of the Italian league live in the UK and Canada. Also in the US in Spanish language

Champions League: Watch every match of the 2026/27 campaign in Canada. Three matches per round exclusively in the US, in Spanish language

National League: DAZN is the home of the National League, with every game available either live or on-demand, plus selected North and South matches

FIFA+ on DAZN: Watch over 7,000 live matches a year, plus World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, films, and player profiles for FREE

More details and to subscribe to a DAZN football package, click here