Is Messi still considered one of the best ever?

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world.

Even after losing and a subpar performance against Germany in the World Cup final, Messi was still chosen as the Golden Ball winner, which goes to the best player of the tournament. The Argentine forward finished with four goals and one assist during the World Cup, netting two game-winning goals and assisting one.

However, the question still looms: Is he the best to ever play? Can he be compared to legends such as Pele or fellow Argentine Diego Maradona - both of whom have lifted the sacred World Cup trophy?

Although Messi has won a plethora of titles for his club team F.C. Barcelona and earned many individual accolades, critics will always leave an asterisk by his name if there are no World Cup titles on his resume.

He clearly outplayed his nemesis and the 2014 FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo this World Cup, but being labeled as the greatest footballer to ever grace the game? You can't say that about Messi just yet.