The world only had eyes for one man yesterday afternoon. Lionel Messi led ArgentinaThe second-largest country in South America. It has a population of nearly 46 million. 's football team in the World Cup final against France.

Commentators were quick to call it one of the "greatest World Cup finals of all time". Argentina dominated the first half, but by the end of extra time the score was even. The match came down to penalties - and Argentina triumphed.

Messi is the best footballer around. He may even be the greatest ever. His achievements are astonishing: the most goals in La LigaThe top Spanish men's football league. history (474), leading Barcelona to 35 major titles, seven Ballon d'OrAn annual football award presented by the French magazine France Football since 1956. French for "Golden Ball", the Ballon d'Or is voted on by three representatives from every country: the national team manager, the national team captain, and a journalist. wins. Winning the World Cup would be the jewel in his crown.

Messi inspires an almost religious passion in fans and fellow footballers alike. Writers have praised his "divineGodly or god-like. grace", "divine genius" and "divine passes". When he retires from football, perhaps he should start a new faith.

These could be the Ten CommandmentsThe ten laws in the Bible that God gave to Moses and the people of Israel. of Messism:

Thou shalt make do. Athletes are often very tall. But Messi is only 5 feet 7 inches tall - an inch shorter than the average male Argentine. Yet he makes the best of his height.

Thou shalt keep quiet. Messi keeps his home life private. Former footballer Paul Scholes says: "He is a family man and likes to walk his dogs." Better to be dull than embarrassing.

Thou shalt not grow old. Messi is now 35 - an old man in professional football. Yet Messi continues to thrive. The late player Johan Cruyff called him: "A beautiful footballer who is still like a kid."

Thou shalt inspire peers. Other players adore Messi. Teammate Ángel Di Maria says: "I will tell my grandchildren that their grandfather used to play with Lionel Messi."

... and writers. Messi encourages extravagant writing. Few other people have been called "divine" so much.

Honour thy family. Messi wears his heart on his body, which is covered with tattoos of the things most important to him - including his mother's face, his son's hands and a football. 

Remember thy fans. After Argentina's stunning victory over Croatia on Tuesday, Messi turned the spotlight on his fans. He said: "We're thankful."

Thou shalt persevere. In 2016, after a failed penalty in the final of the Copa America, Messi quit Argentina. But when the next Copa came in 2019, he was back.

Thou shalt be humble. Cristiano Ronaldo is Messi's closest rival. But whereas Ronaldo is arrogant, Messi displays a down to earth personality.

Thou shalt make it about yourself. People care about Messi more than the tournament itself. Writer Graciela Mochkofsky reports one fan saying: "If Messi never wins a World Cup, screw the World Cups."

Yes: Religions are often created by a single person with unique talents and ability to inspire others. No-one fits this role today more than Messi. If he wanted to, he could do almost anything.

No: To create a religion, you have to break with the past and offer something new. Messi is incredibly talented. But he has done nothing new. He is simply the best at something that already exists.

Or... Could he? He already has. Millions around the world believe him to be the greatest footballer ever. And they all want him to win on Sunday. Support for Messi has become a matter of faith.