FIFA legends back Messi in World Cup final

STORY: The star forward, who will earn his 172nd cap, is playing in his fifth and final World Cup on Sunday (December 18).

Rodriguez, who was part of the national team with Messi that lost the final of the 2014 tournament, said a victory over France would strengthen his argument as the greatest soccer player of all-time.

"I think Leo is, and has been for a long time, the best player in history at this moment, just like (Diego) Maradona and Pele were in their time and like other great players were," Rodriguez said at the FIFA Legends Cup in Qatar.

"We hope he gets it because I think on an individual level, it’s the only thing he’s missing."

France's Christian Karembeu laughed when asked who would win Sunday's (December 18) final match between France and Argentina, but ultimately said, "it’s going to be a competitive and attractive final."

Rodriguez is one of nearly 100 former players taking part in the FIFA Legends Cup, which sees eight teams play in 18 matches.