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. There were 21 other players on the pitch. But none of them are Messi.

Commentators were quick to call it one of the "greatest World Cup finals of all time". First, a dominant Argentina scored twice to lead 2-0 at half time. Then, in the space of less than two minutes, French star Kylian Mbappe turned the game around. After two nailbiting goals, one for each side, in extra time, the game went to penalties. Argentina, and Messi, were triumphant.

Messi is the best footballer around. He may even be the greatest ever. His list of achievements is 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 Messi 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." This might sound dull. But better to be dull than embarrassing.

Thou shalt not grow old. Messi is now 35. In professional football, where the average age is around 27, he is an old man. Yet Messi continues to thrive. He even seems young: the late player Johan Cruyff called him: "A beautiful footballer who is still like a kid."

Thou shalt inspire peers. Other players idolise Messi. Teammate Ángel Di Maria says: "I will tell my grandchildren bedtime stories about when I won the Champions League, hopefully when I won the World Cup, but most of all...  that their grandfather used to play with Lionel Messi."

... and writers. Messi encourages extravagant writing. This tournament, he has been praised for "sumptuous minimalism" and called "an emblemA symbolic object. of the transientTemporary or lasting for only a short time. fragility of human beauty".

Honour thy family. Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves. Messi wears his 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: "The union and bond we have is something beautiful... 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 for another shot - and then back again in 2021, when he finally won.

Thou shalt be humble. Cristiano Ronaldo is Messi's closest rival. But whereas Ronaldo has been called "arrogant" and "self-indulgent" over quitting Manchester United, Messi left Barcelona in quiet tears.

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 individual, with unique talents and a tendency 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 the rules and offer something new. Messi is supremely talented. But his skill lies in improving something that already exists, not creating an alternative.

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