Mario Kempes: Lionel Messi is like Johan Cruyff, a king without a crown

ICONIC: Mario Kempes of Argentina celebrates scoring a goal during the 1978 World Cup final. Pic: Getty Images)

Argentina legend Mario Kempes, who famously won his side the World Cup in 1978, says Lionel Messi is like a king without crown ahead of a World Cup Final on Sunday which could elevate the little genius to an even higher status.

Kempes scored twice when Argentina won their first ever World Cup 44 years ago on a heady night in Buenos Aires when the home team received a tickertape welcome and the shaggy-haired striker celebrated for what seemed like forever after scoring in extra time.