Lionel Messi has the eyes of the world on his back as he looks to win the most coveted trophy of all over the next few weeks.The Paris Saint-Germain superstar is already guaranteed a place in the GOAT debate regardless of what happens this winter, but adding the World Cup to his collection might just be what it takes to tip the balance in his favour.It's no secret, after all, that two of his biggest competitors for that number one status in the form of Pele and Diego Maradona have both gotten their hands on that most iconic of trophies.
How are Argentina looking ahead of Qatar 2022?
And unlike previous World Cup iterations, there's a really positive feeling round the Argentina squad as they come into Qatar 2022 on the back of winning their first major honour since 1993.
Messi was simply inspirational at the 2021 Copa America as he was named the best player and joint-top goalscorer at a competition that saw the Argentines exact revenge upon Brazil in their own back garden.
It also formed part of the remarkable 36-game unbeaten run that Messi's nation currently finds themselves on, which is just one match short of the world record set by Italy last year.
Qatar 2022: Ultimate World Cup quiz
How did Messi play vs UAE?
And the latest victory in that stunning chain of fixtures without defeat saw Argentina crank up their World Cup preparations against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday afternoon.
It marked the perfect chance for Argentina to get in some last-minute match practice amidst the heat of the Arabian Gulf and they certainly didn't keep the handbrake on, swaggering their way to a comfortable 5-0 win.
It was a brilliant showcase for Messi, too, who found the back of the net with a fabulous strike and also turned provider for Julian Alvarez's strike for good measure.
However, perhaps more important than that was the fact that Messi emerged from the game unscathed, and safe from an injury that would have left the sporting world with their head in their hands.
Besides, you'd have forgiven the Argentina players for wanting to put their talisman in bubblewrap as other world-class stars drop out of the tournament with their own fitness problems.
Soccer Football - International Friendly - United Arab Emirates v Argentina - Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - November 16, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More
What did De Paul do to help Messi?
But alas, Messi is in pretty safe hands, especially when he has a bodyguard on the pitch in the form of Rodrigo De Paul.
Mere weeks after the Atletico Madrid star was seen keeping a close eye on Messi as he was mobbed by Honduras players after a September friendly and he was up to his old tricks yet again once the full-time festivities played out at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Video: De Paul keeping a close eye on Messi vs Honduras
In amusing footage which has since gone viral on social media, De Paul can be seen staying within a few feet of Messi at all times as he shook hands with the UAE players before walking aside with his skipper as though he was escorting him away.
It's hard for anyone who watched the Honduras video to not think that De Paul has one eye on Messi at all times, ensuring that there's no funny business going on, but we'll let you make your own mind up down below:
Video: De Paul acts as Messi's 'bodyguard' vs UAE
Fan reaction
To be fair, if De Paul's combative and no-nonsense playing style is anything to go by, then it's fair to say that he makes for a very good on-pitch bodyguard for Messi.
How do Argentina players feel about Messi?
That being said, De Paul keeping tabs on the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is - in many ways - illustrative of exactly how the entire Argentina squad feels about their star player.
You would think that having such a superstar like Messi in your set-up would potentially be detrimental to team cohesion, but it seems right now as though the opposite is true with a good number of Argentina players expressing their desire to put the World Cup in their captain's hands.
Buy your Lionel Messi t-shirt from the GMS Shop
Lionel Messi GOAT range
There is a real spirit about Lionel Scaloni's side at the moment and that's the biggest reason why they should be considered one of the favourites to go all the way in Qatar.
And if any rivals and opponents want to get into Messi's head to try and stop that from happening, then they'll have to get through De Paul first and that's certainly no easy task.
Ronaldo SACKED?🚨Arsenal to win the LeagueðŸ†World Cup Preview! Top 4 Debate! The Top 6 (Football Terrace)
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.