A World Cup final is always a match guaranteed to live on in memory for decades, destined to become part of football folklore regardless of the spectacle produced over 90 minutes. But tonight feels bigger than that as the world waits to see if Lionel Messi can achieve the crowning glory on a career that has already redefined what was once thought possible on a football pitch. Not since Ronaldo in 1998 has the world’s biggest game been so totally reduced to a discussion about one man.

There are also a range of sub-plots floating nearby in the background. If Messi doesn't shine will this German side fulfilling a threat of greatness that they have held over the world since 2006? Can Thomas Muller take another World Cup Godlen Boot award? And is tonight’s game the factor that decides if this World Cup can be remembered as one of the great tournaments?

Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry spoke to Joe Molloy, Newstalk’s man in Brazil, ahead of tonight’s game and they discussed tonight’s game, the Golden Ball award and the legacy of this World Cup