Former Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist have told Lionel Messi that winning the World Cup in Qatar will not put him in front of Diego Maradona as the greatest of all time.

According to him, Messi cannot be compared to Maradona, even if he does succeed in lifting the most coveted trophy in football.

The 35-year-old is one game away from winning the World Cup and was in sublime form for Argentina as they brushed aside Croatia in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Messi will now wait to conquer either France or Morocco to see their names etched on the famous trophy.

McCoist believed there is simply no way the two players can be compared due to how different football was in the 1980s compared to now.

Qatar 2022: Winning World Cup Will Not Make You GOAT – McCoist Tells Messi, Names Best Player Ever!

Speaking on talkSPORT Andy Townsend said, “Would winning this World Cup settle that debate?”

And McCoist responded: “No, no. Not for me. I think that Maradona just about won one by himself and it’s just impossible to compare them.

“Is Messi one of the most gifted players ever? Absolutely. He’s one of the most gifted footballers that I’ve ever seen.

“But Messi and Maradona are incomparable because they played in a different era. They almost played in a different sport!”