"We shouldn't close the books too early..." - Klopp has his say on the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has named Lionel Messi as the GOAT following Argentina's triumph the World Cup in Qatar.

The debate over whether Messi or his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player in history took a decisive turn this month when Argentina were crowned world champions for a third time.

Messi, 35, inspired his nation to victory with seven goals in the tournament, finishing just one behind the Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe.

It was the first time seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi had won the World Cup, in potentially his final opportunity to do so.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's hopes of winning the competition were ended earlier the tournament after Portugal were beaten by Morocco at the quarter-final stage.

It almost certainly means that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who is now 37 and currently without a club, will end his playing career without having won football's greatest team prize.

Klopp: Messi is the GOAT

Liverpool boss Klopp has expressed his delight for Messi, describing the Argentine superstar as the greatest player of his lifetime.

"Argentina deserved it and when you saw the team and the country celebrating, then it probably hit the right country in difficult times. I am really happy for them, they waited for a long time," Klopp said.

"The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level.

“We shouldn't close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him."

Klopp has praised Messi on numerous occasions in the past and revealed in 2018 that he had a special picture of himself at the Argentina international on his phone.

"I have only one selfie on my smartphone. That is with Messi. Cristiano was in the room as well…," said Klopp.

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Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina, Portugal, Football, Liverpool

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan