The next few weeks will provide Lionel Messi with the opportunity to cement his status as the greatest footballer of all time.

While many football fans believe the Barcelona superstar has already done enough during his illustrious career to be considered the best ever, others feel he must win the World Cup with Argentina to surpass the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona.

Messi went agonisingly close to winning world football’s most prestigious prize four years ago in Brazil but was unable to inspire his country to glory against Germany in the final.

The South American genius was still named the tournament’s best player, but that meant nothing to him.

He was crestfallen after losing the World Cup final and said two years later that he would swap all of his Ballon d’Or awards for a World Cup winners’ medal.

Argentina are now even more dependent on Messi, who will need to be at his brilliant best in Russia if La Albiceleste are to stand any chance of winning the tournament.

But only a fool would write off the extraordinary Messi, who is the pre-tournament joint-favourite to win the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot award alongside Brazil’s Neymar.

Ferguson spoke about Messi while sat near him in 2012

One man who’ll surely be watching with the tournament with interest is Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who is recovering after suffering a brain haemorrhage last month.

There’s a brilliant video available to watch on YouTube of Ferguson on the same stage as Pep Guardiola and Messi during the 2011 Ballon d’Or ceremony back in January 2012.

Ferguson was asked by a journalist if he felt Messi, just 24 years old at the time, was already at the same level as the game’s true greats such as Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Alfredo Di Stefano.

And his response was perfect.

What Ferguson said about Messi in 2012

“Yes, I’d agree with that completely,” Ferguson said.

"Critics have always questioned whether players like Pele from the 50s could play today.

"The answer to that is great players would play in any generation.

“Lionel Messi could play in the 1950s and the present day, as could Di Stefano, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff because they are all great players.

"Lionel Messi without question comes into that category."

Ferguson’s comments look even more apt six years later.

Messi, who has scored an incredible 552 goals for Barcelona, would have shone in any era - just like Pele, Maradona, Cruyff and Di Stefano would have.

Is Lionel Messi the greatest footballer of all time? Have your say by leaving a comment below.