The eternal debate over who holds the title of the greatest Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona, has resurfaced in a video posted on X, posing the question to passionate Argentina fans.
While some younger fans believe that Messi’s recent World Cup win in Qatar last year solidified his claim to greatness, others argue that Maradona’s iconic status remains untarnished. Even with both players having World Cup victories, Messi’s impressive tally of 106 international goals overshadows Maradona’s 32, despite the former playing 96 more games for Argentina.
Messi’s additional achievement of leading Argentina to a Copa America triumph in 2021 adds another layer to the comparison. However, the video reveals a split among fans, with Maradona appearing as the overwhelming favorite, followed closely by Messi and former Barcelona midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme, according to some humorously inclined La Albiceleste supporters.
Maradona’s legendary status is often attributed to his personality, marked by eccentric behavior that made him a cultural icon adored by millions worldwide. The memorable ‘Hand of God’ goal during the 1986 World Cup, where Maradona almost single-handedly led Argentina to victory, and his role in guiding Napoli to Serie A titles, further contribute to his iconic legacy.
In contrast, Messi, while still beloved in his homeland, is described as introverted and reserved, which some fans find challenging to connect with compared to Maradona’s more public persona. Messi’s on-field exploits, often likened to those of a deity or alien, are acknowledged, but Maradona’s human struggles and publicized issues make him more relatable to the average football fan.
Regardless of the video’s results, both Messi and Maradona are deeply cherished by Argentina. Choosing between these two football legends remains a challenging task for their fans, as both have amassed numerous trophies and accolades throughout their illustrious careers, securing their places as some of the greatest players of all time.