Lionel Messi was by far the most popular candidate in Argentina next president poll

More proof that Lionel Messi is akin to the 'Messiah' in Argentina has arrived in a new survey where fans admitted they would vote for him as the next president.

Messi guided Argentina to a historic first World Cup in 36 years over in Qatar, scoring twice in the final as Lionel Scaloni's side won 4-2 on penalties.

It was the trophy that had evaded him in his entire career and followed up the Copa America triumph in 2021.

After returning to his homeland, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner couldn't even get to his house as fans mobbed him the driveway.

Then, at his nieces 15th birthday party, he got similar treatment. Messi is worshipped by Argentines and Giacobbe & Asociados wanted to just how much they love the pint-sized genius.

They conducted a survey where they asked 2,500 people if they would be in favour of him becoming the next president.

43.7 per cent of people voted “yes”, 37.8 per cent went for “no" and 17.5 per cent said "maybe".

Image: Giacobbe & Asociados

Then, in a second poll, they placed Messi amongst other presidential candidates - including current figurehead Alberto Fernandez.

He beat everyone else, including former president Cristina Kirchner and a slew other candidates. Overall, Messi totalled 36.7 per cent of the votes - 24.7 per cent more than head of state Fernandez.

Image: Giacobbe & Asociados

Immediately after Messi lifted the World Cup, there were reports that Argentina's financial governing body were considering putting his face on a 1000-peso note to commemorate his achievements.

Shy and unassuming until he has the ball at his feet, Messi does not appear to have the ideal personality for politics even if he has demonstrated impressive leadership qualities.

But there have been a number of footballers who have gone into politics, including Andriy Shevchenko and George Weah - the latter being the current president of Liberia.

Image: Alamy

Messi is still yet to return to PSG after being granted extra time off following the World Cup win and watched his team beat Strasbourg 2-1 with a last-gasp Kylian Mbappe penalty after Neymar was sent off for diving.

Manager Christophe Galtier expects him to be back in the French capital in early January.