@Tommy Boykin He had a lot less responsibility than Messi. Cafú was a great right back, one of the best ever, but he wasn't the main player responsible for playmaking/scoring. Furthermore, he played in very well-balanced teams with exceptional players.
The only player ever?!?!? 😂😂 lad, Ronaldo was also part of the team too . 94, 98, 02. All 3 straight World Cup and won 2. And Ronaldo won 97 Copa, 99 Copa and 97 Confederations cup too.
@Tommy Boykin I believe Ronaldo is the best player player when it come down to just international. The guy has the best record for his country. Imagine winning the World Cup at just 18 at 1994 World Cup, at 1995 he reach Copa America finale and came 2nd place, 1996 he played in the Olympic and came 3rd. He went from 1st place win the World Cup to 2nd place in Copa and 3rd place in Olympic in 3 straight year and here the best part he win the 1997 Copa America along with 1997 Confederations cup, guess what he reach 1998 World Cup finale back to back and came 2nd. And 1999 he win Copa America again back to back. And of course he reach the World Cup again in 2002 back to back to back World Cup 3 consecutive time. And manage to win his 2nd World Cup and was the top scorer with 8 goals in 7 matches. I don’t think no players will ever reach that level for their country.
Literally Messi is above..... Imagine we are discussing about a old time baller druggist who cheated using hand to defeat dreams of a nation and yet we call hand of God.... 🤣
Messi in my opinion was already ahead of maradona since he got 91 goals in one year. The main question is is he ahead of Ronaldo? He’s miles ahead of Ronaldo in my opinion. No one comes close to Messi’s abilities, he’s an all around complete player and has every stat to be a complete player. A Magician! The only player to dribble through every player on the opponents team. Out of this world. If he wins the cup that’ll only cement his place as the goat!
He's not miles ahead of C. Ronaldo. Ronaldo's the greatest performer in the history of the Champions' League (arguably the highest level of competition in world football), and has (like Messi) won a major tournament with his national team. They are extremely close, to the point where it's a matter of taste more than anything. But if Messi wins the World Cup for Argentina, I think it gives him the edge over Ronaldo. It's difficult to compare them to Pele and Maradona, because the game was completely different back then, especially at club level. Brazilian Ronaldo was the most naturally talented player I have ever seen, personally.
I think if he does win it on Sunday, he'll just solidify his place beside Maradona as a legend for Argentina. Us Argentines aren't going to dismiss one over the other - we love them both. There are many older fans that will only show respect to Messi if he lifts the cup, but amongst the general population - they are both icons of our nations.
Maradona's top was for a few years. Messi plays in the highest level possible for 15+ years, year in-year out. Reaching a second WC final is a milestone achievement though, even for messi
By the age of 24 people people were already having this debate😂. At 35 he has surpassed every footballer ever. Hopefully he can put it to bed Sunday once and for all
Mate theres a video of the pundits discussing the CL final 2011 before it started. Graeme souness, man who had won everything excepfor the wolrd cup, a man who had seen maradona live,called messi the GOAT. 11 years ago. And these idiots still debate it now.
They'll still be players from totally different generations who played in different contexts with different teammates against different opposition. Messi in his prime was the best in the world, Maradona in his prime was the best in the world. That's all there is to say. Two incredible players.
@@dulmaka9448 I think Messi and Ronaldo both had points when they were better than each other, and therefore for me they could both say they were the best in their prime.
We talk about international success a lot but what about its combination with domestic and club success? I remember people arguing about Pele and Mara’s club success to Messi and Ronaldo. They have WC chips but Messi and CR7 have international trophies and records along with every club trophy you can win
@@heppolo What kind of misinformation is this ?? The European leagues were always the better quality , more viewership and more global involvement than other leagues , let alone the Brazilian league . You say it was better than the European leagues during the Pele era , yet if I ask you , you wouldn't know what the actual name of the Brazil league . Don't worry , it's the Brasil Serie A .
@@palemonhurtado8914 that means the best team in Brazil can compete with the best teams in Europe, for example Paris or bayern would tear apart the serie A right now, but serie A is still better than the Bundesliga and league 1
And Ronaldo did it by going to almost every top league on Europe, including moving to England at 36 years old to be one of the league's top scorers in a rubbish Man United team. Messi moved to the weakest league and struggled in his first season. Challenges aren't for everyone.
@@deepblue007that's just two instances, he also got suspended for doping two times 15 months each, he was no longer the same player after 33. Now compare that with all that Messi has done
@@roberthdg Maradona was already the best player in a very competitive Argentinian League and probably the best in the world at 17 , or 18 Messi wasn't even an undisputed starter at that time . Maradona longevity is almost equal to Messi
@@donovanch462 No, it's not, not even close. In 82 he flopped. He played at top level for about 8 years max. After 90, his decline was swift. He had one good WC, never won Copa America, in spite of having better teams than Messi ever had.
@@donovanch462 Maradona moved to Europe because he knew the standard was a class apart. He clearly wasn't the best at that age, given he didn't show it either in Europe or for Argentina. His longevity is nowhere near Messi's peak longevity. And as was said, Maradona only had one standout tournament for Argentina, which was in his prime at 26. Messi has had a number of standout Copa tournaments, an impressive world cup in 2014 (albeit he wasn't at his best in the knockouts) and a standout world cup at 35.
@@Noirlore can Messi lead a team like Napoli to a title? That Maradona era 1986-1990 Argentina was kind of average, something like what Messi had to work with in 2018
@@heppolo No it was by no means average . Without Maradona , it was at least a good side ( not capable of winning the WC tho ) . Then with Maradona , they were propelled to a world class side who thoroughly deserved their 1986 WC win .
@@heppolo Yes he can, do find out the pedigree of Napoli then and come back and say that again. Argentina was average? How do you know? Did you check or did you just hear?
Maradona was exceptionally good but let's be honest here ... Messi is different class, C'mon this man scores 91 goals in 69 games while still providing over 25 assists ... Messi in his prime was freakishly consistent and I've only seen this in two other players in their prime ronaldo de lima and cristiano ronaldo ... They definitely raised the standards, maradona was the best in his time but these guys took it to a whole another level
None of the top defenders are scared of Messi. Also Messi relies on his team mates and can't win matches by himself. Where as when Maradona was on the pitch the top defenders were scared. He's the nearest there's ever been to being a 1 man team. The game is much easier today, perfect pitches and little contact where as Maradona was regularly hacked down. One thing I will give Messi and Ronaldo is longevity at the top and having a great mentality. Maradona had a bit of the Luis Saurez's about him and was more unpredictable on and off the pitch.
@@sheffsteel7 Can't win matches by himself you say ? What abt Bayern 2015 , Real 2011 , 2017 , 2007 , and countless other times , Arsenal 2010 , Liverpool 2019 . And these are just the examples off the top of my head , there are many more .
How could people compare two football players with different positions from two different eras by using goals? It's apple to orange comparison. People are just biased so let me cherry picking here too. Maradona won the world cup in his 2nd participation, most people say "singlehandedly" and lost the final of his third by a very close margin. Messi, "single handedly" led his team to the first final in his third participation, lost fairly square. It is to see if he will claim the victory in the 2nd final and his fifth participation. Summary Maradona: 3 WC, 2 finals, 1 victory Messi: 5 WC, 2 finals, ... And don't talk about CR7. He's great in his era and I admire him personally but he is not qualified for a comparison if we talk about WC. maybe in other context I'm open to that. It probably doesn't sound fair to him but that's the fact
@@ardashirshah7786 😂😂😂 ... Maradona's football was aesthetically pleasing that's all ... Dude barely scored 30 goals a season , was poor in his club side and you're comparing him to dudes that are like superhumans scoring every single game and assisting every single game ... A single tournament can't make you a GOAT
He'll be ahead, nowadays athletes are dedicated to the sport and have sports science to help them develop. In Maradona's and Pele's days they were facing cab drivers and guys that worked construction after the game.
Basically Messi = Ronaldo + Zidane + Hazard (all prime). There has never been a more complete attacking player. And please, when I say complete, it doesn't mean left foot right foot header🤣
I love the chemistry of Zabaleta and (please ignore my ignorance) the spanish gentleman in the middle! Great chemistry and the Scottish fella really neutralizes the energy in the room. Great chem!
Can I just say, Messi is already ahead of Maradona. If Messi & Argentina win this years World Cup it would be the biggest World Cup story in history. Having being left footed and literally the identical playing style to Maradona and being in his shadow throughout his career is something only he can explain. Having taken Argentina to nearly 6 finals now and if he wins it WILL be the biggest World Cup story ever.
@@LQFamily it's not about that........ you also know Maradona is on another level.... charismatic, talented,magical human with soccer skills...Messi is no way close
@@dr.pallab4205 you just described Messi 😂 but instead of charismatic, he’s humble and a team player. He’s selflessly given his teammates 26 penalty in the past years. He could’ve been higher on goal count
@@dr.pallab4205 Also boastful and narcissistic, not to mention his addictions and lack of discipline, which cut short his career. Messi is a much better all-round sportsman. 16 years playing consistently at top level. Nobody even comes close to that. Charisma has nothing to do with it.
Messi is already above Maradona. It doesn't matter. You don't win a WC because you are the best player, you win it because you are the best team. It's a team sport.
Messi has had the greatest career I've ever seen but I think Maradona gets underrated by the younger generations, he was top scorer in serie A when it was the toughest league in the world, he got kicked miles more than anyone in this era, he was one goal in every two, when that was what the best strikers of his era were doing, on top of that he was the best playmaker of his time...He carried Napoli to titles domestically and European success, I also think they are different players in terms of attributes, anyone who watches Diego knows he could play central midfield, number ten, and second striker, he was super effective on the left as well as the right, his defensive work rate was amazing, Messi is the mercurial talent, similar dribbling ability, I'd say Messi is more consistent with his mentality and that's obvious because Diego Had his problems, It's a little bit unfair on Diego because if he played in the 2000's the space he would have OMG he would have even more room to do his bicycle kick Assists,or if you think about it the other way, Messi would not be able to score the amount of goals he did, he wouldn't be able to play false nine or any of that, it's night and day
I'm old enough to have witnessed both with keen eyes. They are near mirror images of each other but the game was definitely more physical in Diego's day. Just like it was in Bird, Magic, and Jordan's day as opposed to Lebron and Durant's, etc; I think if Maradona was as disciplined as Messi is (in his personal life and physical and mental self-care and whatnot) there would be no question whatsoever who the GOAT is. Maradona was that gifted. And yet Messi is supernaturally gifted, too. And had the benefit of his era being more professional. I dunno. If Messi wins it on Sunday I gotta give him the nod. Although, it must be said, I'm not old enough to have watched Pele and Cruyff and Best and Beckenbauer, so...
@@jhamler1 I don't see them as mirrors images, I don't see Messi ever defending, and he almost always comes from the right or center, he looks to score more as well, they have similar low center of gravity but Diego was stronger period in his physique
@@dennisfreeman4813 They're both short-statured, quick-witted, slick-moving, left-footed, goal-scoring playmakers with low centers of gravity. But you're right. Diego was built more like a brick shithouse, wasn't he? Dude had the thighs of a Minotaur.
Messi and Manu.. 2 of my favorites argentinian goat to watch of my time. Nothing to disrespect Maradona, he's mesmerized the 6yrs old me. Hope Messi wins the world cup to end his national career 🙏
It's ridiculous how some people can't see how flawed the needing to win a world cup argument is. That's down to a team performing, not one player. To win it, Messi will have to rely on ten others doing their jobs. Not to mention, he has shown huge quality at this tournament, which has been made even more impressive by the fact he's 35. Being the greatest should be judged by ability and longevity over a players whole career. Of course team success has to be a factor too, yet the true marker for that is at club level, where a great player is generally able to play for a top team. Greatness shouldn't be determined by winning a competition that comes along every four years, which has a big element of luck involved, like every KO competition.
@@TonnyOkello No, he's not even in this discussion. Great goal scorer, little more. Isn't that made plainly obvious? He happened to play in teams that played for him. Messi always played for the team. That's what the truly greats do. Because at the end of the day, it's 11 against 11. Nobody understands that better than Messi.
Everyone wants Messi to lift the 2022 world cup, I think we'd never had a player as loved and admired as Messi (like Dinho) by worldwide fans, it says a lot about his character.
Messi has been ahead of everyone including Diego for like 7 years now. Only people who think otherwise are Messi haters or nostalgia fiends. The truth is way too obvious.
@@Sibstajimjam1719 of course man. Most individual awards. Most goals scored in a year. Most assists in history. Most man of the matches in history. Most goals scored in national team. 2 World Cup finals. How is anyone better lol
I don’t care about your stats, if Messi wins the World Cup he’s the Greatest of all time but if he doesn’t... he’s just another Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan cruyff etc. All the greatest have a World Cup and performed on a high level in them. Maradona, Pele, Zidane, Ronaldinho
@@Sibstajimjam1719 It doesn’t matter if you care about the stats or not. The World Cup is not an individual trophy, and all those players you mentioned were in crazy stacked national teams. Messi has never had a stacked Argentina team, even this year his attack relies on only him and a 21 year old. Think whatever you want man, Messi even without a World Cup is at least 10 times better than any other player that’s played football.
Messi doesn't need another title to be the best ever and as Maradona was as talented as Messi, his lifestyle didn't revolve around football as much as Messis! Maradona had 7 great years, Messi has 18 great years at the time of most athletic fullbacks and center halfs! 7 Ballon Doro, not to mention that it should been 10!
May the best team win 🏆 🙏 But like many, I would like to see Messi lifting the cup n seriously for me, BOTH Argentina n France are already winners in their own right for elevating WC 2022 👏 👏 👏 🙇♀️
I'm an American, and I was 9 when Maradona retired. As a kid, I never heard much about him. Around 2000 I really got into the sport, and for me it was Ronaldinho, until Messi came along. I've obviously learned over the years about Diego, but Messi is the goat, world cup or not.
He already surpassed Maradona..to do it at high level for 17 years and counting..someone said this before Messi is Maradona everyday but Maradona wasn't Messi everyday something like that..
@@ursula3438 I love how Messi fans often bring this one to the table without realising what Valdano meant. 'Messi is Maradona all the time' clearly says that Maradona is the benchmark otherwise he would have said Diego was Messi sometimes but Messi is Messi always.
@@lfk53 obviously Maradona is the reference since he was the greatest footballer in their history at some point...the quote said it all Maradone was Maradona sometimes just pointed out he was great but have very short peak in his career..meanwhile Messi is Maradona everyday said it all
@@dajongedflamer1375 Still missing the point. That statement was made during Messi's ultimate peak season playing in a 'superteam'. It is much easier to have a longer peak (to be Maradona 'all the time' during that season) if your teammates do not have to rely on you 100% of the time and with all the referee protection the modern day player enjoys. Do you think Maradona was Maradona all the time when playing for Napoli during his peak? Was Messi being Maradona all the time during his 1st season at PSG, another 'superteam' in League 1? It is always important to see things in context isn't it?
@@lfk53 i dont think i miss your point..honestly you sounds like a typical Messi haters..if all modern players enjoyed the protection of referees and all the perks that comes with modern rules,how come no one was,is able to create the same reputation as Messi?where were you when Messi's been dragging the Argentina team in the last 3 world cup? He basically dragging them in the World cup qualifying or otherwise they'll not be in Qatar 2022 ?Barca under Rosell tenure, post 2015 Barca? He almost single handedly keep Barca from playing Europa League..he isnt always play with super teams.first season in PSG heavily influenced by his lacked of preseason,shocking transfer,covid and injuries but he perform enough despite the lack of goals and helped PSG grab the league title..it shouldn't be Messi's lacking if Maradona got involved in drugs early on and basically ruin his career..
As fun as it is to ask questions in regards to comparing and rating legends, people shouldn’t take those comparisons seriously. Both Messi and Maradona are legends of the game and legends of their era. You can say one is better than the other according to stats and trophies, but that shouldn’t discredit the work both legends did in their respective eras. All I know is that the #10 Jersey for Argentina has been filled with legends for a very long time. The next person after Messi has GINORMOUS boots to fill in….if that’s even possible.
I think most people who have seen Maradonna play (not just the same old clips they always show) knows the answer is no. One of only 2 players to break the world transfer record twice and took a very poor Napoli team to the very top of the best league in the world at the time. Also got no protection from referees, they would try and kill him on the pitch and he still made magic happen. If the best is judged by goals only then Messi still wouldn't be the best as there's a few who have outscored him. And the Ballon d'Or was only given to European players back when Maradonna was playing. Messi is great, perhaps the best of his generation. But El Pibe de Oro is the greatest by some distance. I feel blessed to have witnessed his greatness and am sorry for those that didn't. You missed the most incredible player.
Only old people think that Messi needs to win to be ahead of Maradona. Maradona didn't even have 400 career goals. Facts and reality wins over feelings!
God bless you all, if anyone knows what football is, there is no question about Messi being the being the greatest soccer player, he is done it over and over again dribbling scoring assisting passing, no one comes close to Messi, winning the world it’s just missing a piece period.
Why Messi has to win the WC to catch Maradona, but Maradona can have 450 less goals than Messi, 150 less assists, 40 less collective/team titles, etc ??
He's been ahead of Maradona all around imo. The only thing preventing people from really vocalizing that is the World Cup title. After that, it will be indisputable that Messi is without question ahead of Maradona.
Oh this is the stupid guy that said south american football is not under developed 🤣🤣🤣. Argentina literally won wc with players from europan football 🤣🤣🤣
Yea but look at messi stats just 34 goals for argentina vs Messi's 96 goals ... career stats messi close to 800 goals , Maradona I think 250 goals ...messi has much betted playmaking stats also ..triohies also messi won 4 times as much
Messi wrecks maradona in every stats other than the worldcup. If he wins the World Cup, it will just clear the greatness haze which was like a dirt in the eye for messi to be living with no competition. This is not a dig to Maradona, he's in Top two to four of all time Great. Its just that Messi made you watch the match tirelessly for more than a decade, and kept you "wowing" almost every single game. Its just impossible.
I wonder how many napoli' full matches or argentina full matches (besides world cup final stages) the old men have watched with maradona in it. Everyone of these pundits talks about Diego and they have watched him play so few hours. Its ridiculous lol
I have and Maradona is overrated based on everything. Overrated dribbling (lost the ball a lot, couldn't dribble more than 2 players) Not effective enough Disappeared against tougher teams Stat-padder (70% of his career goals came from the penalty spot against 2nd and 3rd division teams in every league) Weak ariel game awful, horrible finisher
@@DiscoCEO I was told about Messi in 2013. I watch every Messi match. I've followed the US since the 90's and the premier league. I've watched full matches of Maradona but only clips of Pele. I've watched endless matches of Ronaldo since 2013. I don't see how anyone can compare Ronaldo, CR7, to Messi. Maradona is a good comparison but Messi is just ridiculous and the most entertaining player to watch bar none, only Maradona and Pele even compare. I'd say Pele and Messi are the only comparable right now as the best of all time. Regardless of Sunday's result.
They both belong on the top. Who's ahead purely depends on which generation one belong to. But if Maradona were alive and if there was a way to communicate with Messi, Maradona would surely want to hand over the world footballing torch happily to Messi irrespective of whether Messi wins this world cup or not because of how Messi performed in this World Cup. But Maradona would definitely have seen Messi as the only GOAT in the modern football. Who is ahead is just fodder for discussions? Maradona and Messi will live on forever whether they are ahead of each other or not.
Maradona was my absolute hero as a kid but I have to admit that Messi has now surpassed him. The reason being the sheer amount of goals he's scored. He is the perfect footballer. If Messi lifts the trophy on Sunday it will be the greatest moment in the history of football
When you talk about the goat, there are several kinds of goat. Best overall career, most winning, best at their peak in a single match, best season. Best at scoring, best at playmaking, best at dribbling and providing chances and assisting. So one could argue its not really possible to have a goat...yet incredibly ist possible, cause there is one guy who has it all (lol) and yet, lots of people cant see the obvious. Its unreal.
Both Argentina(Messi)and France(Mbappa)number 10 has 5 goals and number 9(Álvarez and Giroud) has 4 goals Even Stevie. Let see who going to score this week Sunday and who going to the World Cup and golden boot.
He's already ahead of Maradona. As great as Maradona was, his peak career was shorter than Messi's and tainted by drug controversy. Think back to 1994 WC and all that trouble in Napoli. Messi is still powering on at 35 and it wouldn't surprise me, if he makes one more wold cup.
No. They are in Different era, we can’t really compare. But on influence, Messi is far below of Maradona. Maradona is symbol for most everyday Argentinian struggle , he was one of them who made it. And the Napoli. There are People who build Maradona church!
Idiots built Maradona church. This is just the pathetic popular need for idols. Yeah, he had influence alright--the wrong kind of influence. We'll never know how many kids fell to addictions on account of this bad example.
Provola aside from being a cheese is also a word for a bald head, hence why this is actually a very creative and funny word creation considering Zabaleta‘s lack of hair
@Karma_Police369 because messi isnt a player who plays on mediocre teams, puts them on his shoulders, leads, and wins. Messi n cristiano are NOT those types of players. Wht teams have they played on?....thats your answer.
@@DeeCalz11 Did u see the barca messi played with from 2017-2021, u must be joking. Since he left its their second time going to Europa even with new signings which speaks volumes of what messi did. And I don't even want to talk about managers cuz xavi is way better than the past clowns
@@DeeCalz11 my guy…. Did you watch Barcelona in Messi’s last three seasons there? One of the biggest carry jobs of all time It’s also overlooked because it’s the preliminary stages of the FIFA World Cup but Messi is as close to entirely responsible as you can get for single-handedly getting Argentina qualified for that World Cup. Let’s not forget 2014 either. That Arg side had no right to be in that final with the overall quality they had lol Even surrounded by mediocrity he’s head and shoulders above the rest. Your argument is a dumb talking point often repeated that can very easily be shut down if you just take 5 minutes to look at Messi and Ronaldo’s careers. CR7 also did gigantic carry jobs for Juve and MU last season. I wouldn’t agree they’re as big of an effort or success as Messi’s, but his work still needs to be respected to the point that he is also at the top of footballs all time greats. Messi still edges him though 😉
@@DeeCalz11 he's doing it right now in front of your eyes! Argentina were not favorites to make it to the finals and ppl were saying he's been carrying a mediocre national team for years!!
Maradona was an over skilled maverick and was a phenomenon !!! It’s difficult to match up to his stature and what Argentinians feel about him !!!! Now said the sheer longevity messi has shown in different competitions and the way he has carried average teams of the past got to show his skills !!! Both players, just blessed by god to make all of us enjoy the most popular sport on this planet even more. God will bestow his blessings on Messi and we all will continue to share this moment with future generations !!!! Good Luck messi and thank you for giving all of us some amazing moments to remember for the rest of our lives 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@abdullahimusa4927 Other than the 2006 squad and the current one, every other Argentina national team. Last 4 years at Barcelona, I would say even below average.
@@piscesman54 2010 Argentine squad SAMUEL,HEINZE,MILITO,MAXI-RODRIGUEZ,TEVEZ,PASTORE,di María Zabaleta Higuaín,Messi,Mascherano,Agüero,Lavezzi,Rojo. Statistically Argentine players especially the offensive players turn out monster stats for their club sides collectively they were better than any other national team pre-world cup .2014 squad di María,Zabaleta,Higuaín,Messi,Mascherano,Agüero,Lavezzi,Rojo. This time around their defense wasnt very good but aside maybe Brazil, Spain, Germany tell me which others teams could put out these names (yeh very weak national side). And for Barcelona they were average side compared to who Bibao,Villareal, Roma, please man
@@abdullahimusa4927 The 2010 squad was a shambles. Never mind what they did at their clubs. They did not function together as a team because Maradona did not have a clue about coaching. Defensively they were very weak. Why do you think they lost 4-0 to Germany in quarterfinals? The 2014 squad was better coached, but very poor in offense, Di María and Agüero carrying injuries. Higuaín missing clear chances. a team is not about names. It's about making the whole better than just the sum of the parts. I don't know what you point is.
If we're talking about actual football? Then Yes Even if we're talking about their International career's, then Yes But to the Argentine people? NEVER. He could have won 3 world cups and still wouldn't mean as much as Diego meant for the Argentine people. For them Diego is/was a religion. P.S. Anyone who disagrees with the first two parts, we can have a civilized conversation as to why or you can come at me and let's f***ing go, but be prepared. I won't take just to basic stuff that gets thrown around these days, you must know your stuff.
@@pigged_ Lol, had to be aggressive to scare away those guys, probably won't work though, but yeah he is god for Argentines for a number of reasons both football and non-football related, both on the pitch and off the pitch related.
Things have changed though. Many of the younger generation lean more towards Messi; given they grew up watching him. It's the older generation who place Maradona as the standout. If Messi wins the world cup, I think he will certainly be viewed as on the same level as time goes on. Of course though that is down to the team as a whole, not him alone.
@@Gfresh844 Well a very common answer from Argentines is "For my dad/mom/uncle/aunt/older relative, it was Maradona, but for me Messi" So I do see your point there, but the thing is legends never really die, and Maradona has precisely that, legend, a legend that to be perfectly honest far eclipsed the measure of what he achieved on the pitch, but still his legend all the same, told, and retold, until it has taken a far greater stance than actual events. Which is why I think it'll be difficult for Messi to compete with that legend. I guess it remains to be seen what Messi's legend is like, but with all the negativity of social media, one fears that it will corrupt his legend. For example, Messi is not a bad penalty taker, he's missed 30, Ronaldo has missed 29, yet because of social media he has this reputation as a bad penalty taker that you see even pundits and people who should be more professional about football repeating it. Messi has better performances in almost all measure in what can be considered big games than Ronaldo, but thanks to social media, Ronaldo is the one with the reputation of being a big-game player, which naturally translates to Messi being seen as not a big game player. Maradona also had his issues, and I'm not talking about the off the field ones, but without Social Media to highlight and magnify these issues, it's a lot easier for rosy retrospection to set in, but for Messi, you feel there always going to be the BUT he didn't, BUT he wasn't. Anyways, that's why I don't know if his legend can ever grow that big. I honestly hope it gets the embellishment it deserves in the positive sense, because he certainly is deserving
You have no Brian. How can you say Ronaldo is better than Messi if you say Pele and Maradona are better than Ronaldo? That make no sense. And on what do you base that Pele and Maradona are 1 and 2?
Messi is a goat at club level for his achievements at Barca and some records in Argentina selection Maradona is goat for Argentina imo because of charisma and lead to 2 finals in 4 editions
Comparing Messi and Maradona is like comparing a son to his father. Regardless of how successful the son becomes, without his father he wouldn't be alive. Maradona raised the standard then Messi took that and raised it higher.
What? I can tell that made sense in your head but what a terrible analogy. How would Messi not be Messi if maradona wasn’t alive… if Maradona never played football it would probably be better for Messi. No one to compare him to he’d just be the best then. Lmfao
@ThePizzboy wrong, almost always there needs to be a level of standard that is the driving force. Maradona wanting to be better than pele, messi wanting to be better than maradona, lebron wanting to be better than mj. Your def wrong on that one.
@@DeeCalz11 that honestly doesn’t seem right at all, for one, Messi doesn’t use Maradona as a driving force or motivation, or even a standard to live up to bc how could he anyway? In Messi’s eyes he would probably say he could never even get close to Maradona and plus they didn’t even play together. In fact if you wanna go there, then it would be Ronaldo who can be considered his motivation or competition, his driving force to be even better and better, so if Maradona never existed, then no that shouldn’t really have any effect whatsoever on Messi’s career and his greatness
@@ThePizzboy Its quite simple, Maradona set an example, something Messi as a child could look to and pattern and someday surpass. Maradona raised the bar, then Messi took that and raised it higher, but Maradona had to raise it first and be a inspiration for Messi.
Messi passed Maradona a long time ago! He’s played at the highest level for over 15 years, has won so many trophies (individual and collective), and his stats are like 3 times better than Maradona’s. I don’t understand how this is still an argument.
If messi wins on Sunday he's miles ahead of Pele, messi already has more goals and assists, the only difference is the wc, which Pele was able to win because he had a God squad that won it without him, if messi wins it with a bunch of children, he's even more clear.
@@locoloco3866 I'm the one scoring, I'm the one getting tripped/fouled and the puppet master is gonna defraud me of my Golden boot, says Alvarez. I guess he has no reason to hate him neither. He driblles 1 and gets an assist, I dribble 3 and score and it's always about the puppet shooter. lol Who do you think hates him more? Poor Alvarez
survive the group win four games in a row, i have seen west brom, sunderland. watford play four great games in a row. champions league is the S tier trophy
Messi always have been Maradona 1986 WC skill and art, But he doing that straightful for 20 years what he didnt have before is Maradona beast mentality that made Argentina fell pride for having Maradona as their Football Gods, The Match of Argentina vs Netherland is shocked and pride Argentina fans when they directly saw Messi became monster mentality, By directly lead and defend his teammates and its peak with his straightly walk to Van Gal without starting brawl, Thats the moment He is surpassed Maradona is
Messi has taken Argentina to 6 major football finals. That in itself is quite amazing. I think he’s the only player in history to do that
Indeed.
@Tommy Boykin He had a lot less responsibility than Messi. Cafú was a great right back, one of the best ever, but he wasn't the main player responsible for playmaking/scoring. Furthermore, he played in very well-balanced teams with exceptional players.
The only player ever?!?!? 😂😂 lad, Ronaldo was also part of the team too . 94, 98, 02. All 3 straight World Cup and won 2. And Ronaldo won 97 Copa, 99 Copa and 97 Confederations cup too.
@Tommy Boykin I believe Ronaldo is the best player player when it come down to just international. The guy has the best record for his country. Imagine winning the World Cup at just 18 at 1994 World Cup, at 1995 he reach Copa America finale and came 2nd place, 1996 he played in the Olympic and came 3rd. He went from 1st place win the World Cup to 2nd place in Copa and 3rd place in Olympic in 3 straight year and here the best part he win the 1997 Copa America along with 1997 Confederations cup, guess what he reach 1998 World Cup finale back to back and came 2nd. And 1999 he win Copa America again back to back. And of course he reach the World Cup again in 2002 back to back to back World Cup 3 consecutive time. And manage to win his 2nd World Cup and was the top scorer with 8 goals in 7 matches. I don’t think no players will ever reach that level for their country.
@@BlessedEraProduction Ronaldo Nazario was a unused sub in the 1994 win . You make it sound like Ronaldo performed like Mbappe at 18 in the WC 1994 .
Biggest game of Messi's life probably. Can't wait too watch it
Literally Messi is above..... Imagine we are discussing about a old time baller druggist who cheated using hand to defeat dreams of a nation and yet we call hand of God.... 🤣
@@favorite2523 Messi's also a convicted felon if you want to go there.
@@favorite2523 maradona only scored 259 goals too. It's crazy that ppl still think maradona is better
@@devonbradley5135 Maradona isn't even the best of the 20th century. Pele is
@@TheRealPingu and he threw a fit and retired from his national team. Maradona dragged his team almost single handedly to a world cup.
Messi in my opinion was already ahead of maradona since he got 91 goals in one year. The main question is is he ahead of Ronaldo? He’s miles ahead of Ronaldo in my opinion. No one comes close to Messi’s abilities, he’s an all around complete player and has every stat to be a complete player. A Magician! The only player to dribble through every player on the opponents team. Out of this world. If he wins the cup that’ll only cement his place as the goat!
Goalkeepers are the real GOATs.
He isn't the only player to ever dribble past everyone on the team. A few have done that before.
@@TheRealPingu he’s done it the most though. Watch his clip where he dribbled a stacked Madrid defense
@@TheRealPingu how many of those few are also the best playmakers and goalscorers?
He's not miles ahead of C. Ronaldo. Ronaldo's the greatest performer in the history of the Champions' League (arguably the highest level of competition in world football), and has (like Messi) won a major tournament with his national team. They are extremely close, to the point where it's a matter of taste more than anything. But if Messi wins the World Cup for Argentina, I think it gives him the edge over Ronaldo. It's difficult to compare them to Pele and Maradona, because the game was completely different back then, especially at club level. Brazilian Ronaldo was the most naturally talented player I have ever seen, personally.
I think if he does win it on Sunday, he'll just solidify his place beside Maradona as a legend for Argentina. Us Argentines aren't going to dismiss one over the other - we love them both. There are many older fans that will only show respect to Messi if he lifts the cup, but amongst the general population - they are both icons of our nations.
He will remain below Diego.
@@lfk53 In your opinion.
In the eyes of the world, Messi is the GOAT. No one will catch up to his stats… Argentinians can live in their bubble…
@@lfk53 He is well beyond Diego.
Yes BOTH. Diego will be shouting for his former player. Plural of genius is genii. There is another!
Maradona's top was for a few years. Messi plays in the highest level possible for 15+ years, year in-year out. Reaching a second WC final is a milestone achievement though, even for messi
Participation ribbons aren't an accolade.
@@SLSAMG maybe not for you but it do matters
@@SLSAMG Second most trophies in history and most individual awards.
@@LeWacoKid What does that have to do with what I said? Changes nothing. Cope more...
@@SLSAMG Because he's a winner, now get bent with your semantics.
By the age of 24 people people were already having this debate😂. At 35 he has surpassed every footballer ever. Hopefully he can put it to bed Sunday once and for all
Mate theres a video of the pundits discussing the CL final 2011 before it started. Graeme souness, man who had won everything excepfor the wolrd cup, a man who had seen maradona live,called messi the GOAT. 11 years ago. And these idiots still debate it now.
Not every footballer but every attacking footballer ever
And during those 11 years he performed to a level no other footballer has ever reached
I've been watching these pundits all World Cup and they really let loose on this one. Love it!
They'll still be players from totally different generations who played in different contexts with different teammates against different opposition. Messi in his prime was the best in the world, Maradona in his prime was the best in the world. That's all there is to say. Two incredible players.
Wow, you said everything that can be said... no one else should even try... pretentious douchebag
Ronaldo was the best in his prime
@@dulmaka9448 how can you inbreds even say that when messis prime has 30 more goals than ronaldos prime
@@dulmaka9448 I think Messi and Ronaldo both had points when they were better than each other, and therefore for me they could both say they were the best in their prime.
@@XhoowieX too true couldn't say it better myself
What is football without messi one of the greatest of all time this guy a Legend for real
you call every baller greatest of all time💀💀
That's why he scores only penalties lol
@@stansmith5610 That's why he has more non penalty goals than Ronaldo.
@@Gfresh844 he’s quiet now Lmfaoo
@@stansmith5610 Tell me about those assist against Oland and Croatia? Shut up, little p@ssy 🤣
We talk about international success a lot but what about its combination with domestic and club success? I remember people arguing about Pele and Mara’s club success to Messi and Ronaldo. They have WC chips but Messi and CR7 have international trophies and records along with every club trophy you can win
Back in Pele days Brazilian league was as good as the top European ones
@@heppolo What kind of misinformation is this ?? The European leagues were always the better quality , more viewership and more global involvement than other leagues , let alone the Brazilian league . You say it was better than the European leagues during the Pele era , yet if I ask you , you wouldn't know what the actual name of the Brazil league . Don't worry , it's the Brasil Serie A .
@@arhaansayed7748 Santos would tour the World bro and beat the best teams in Europe 😂
@@palemonhurtado8914 that means the best team in Brazil can compete with the best teams in Europe, for example Paris or bayern would tear apart the serie A right now, but serie A is still better than the Bundesliga and league 1
And Ronaldo did it by going to almost every top league on Europe, including moving to England at 36 years old to be one of the league's top scorers in a rubbish Man United team.
Messi moved to the weakest league and struggled in his first season.
Challenges aren't for everyone.
Maradona had a good world cup. Messi has had an incredible career. Messi all the way.
Maradona dominated in the 1986 World Cup and carried an average team like Napoli to win the Serie A titles.
@@deepblue007that's just two instances, he also got suspended for doping two times 15 months each, he was no longer the same player after 33. Now compare that with all that Messi has done
@@roberthdg Maradona was already the best player in a very competitive Argentinian League and probably the best in the world at 17 , or 18 Messi wasn't even an undisputed starter at that time . Maradona longevity is almost equal to Messi
@@donovanch462 No, it's not, not even close. In 82 he flopped. He played at top level for about 8 years max. After 90, his decline was swift. He had one good WC, never won Copa America, in spite of having better teams than Messi ever had.
@@donovanch462 Maradona moved to Europe because he knew the standard was a class apart. He clearly wasn't the best at that age, given he didn't show it either in Europe or for Argentina. His longevity is nowhere near Messi's peak longevity. And as was said, Maradona only had one standout tournament for Argentina, which was in his prime at 26. Messi has had a number of standout Copa tournaments, an impressive world cup in 2014 (albeit he wasn't at his best in the knockouts) and a standout world cup at 35.
Why does one have to be ahead? Both legends of the game both in different eras can’t really compare
Because it’s obvious messi can do everything maradona did but better
@@Noirlore can Messi lead a team like Napoli to a title? That Maradona era 1986-1990 Argentina was kind of average, something like what Messi had to work with in 2018
@@heppolo can maradona score 91 goals in a calendar year in the worlds toughest league
@@heppolo No it was by no means average . Without Maradona , it was at least a good side ( not capable of winning the WC tho ) . Then with Maradona , they were propelled to a world class side who thoroughly deserved their 1986 WC win .
@@heppolo Yes he can, do find out the pedigree of Napoli then and come back and say that again. Argentina was average? How do you know? Did you check or did you just hear?
Maradona was exceptionally good but let's be honest here ... Messi is different class, C'mon this man scores 91 goals in 69 games while still providing over 25 assists ... Messi in his prime was freakishly consistent and I've only seen this in two other players in their prime ronaldo de lima and cristiano ronaldo ... They definitely raised the standards, maradona was the best in his time but these guys took it to a whole another level
None of the top defenders are scared of Messi. Also Messi relies on his team mates and can't win matches by himself. Where as when Maradona was on the pitch the top defenders were scared. He's the nearest there's ever been to being a 1 man team. The game is much easier today, perfect pitches and little contact where as Maradona was regularly hacked down. One thing I will give Messi and Ronaldo is longevity at the top and having a great mentality. Maradona had a bit of the Luis Saurez's about him and was more unpredictable on and off the pitch.
@@sheffsteel7 Can't win matches by himself you say ? What abt Bayern 2015 , Real 2011 , 2017 , 2007 , and countless other times , Arsenal 2010 , Liverpool 2019 . And these are just the examples off the top of my head , there are many more .
How could people compare two football players with different positions from two different eras by using goals? It's apple to orange comparison. People are just biased so let me cherry picking here too. Maradona won the world cup in his 2nd participation, most people say "singlehandedly" and lost the final of his third by a very close margin. Messi, "single handedly" led his team to the first final in his third participation, lost fairly square. It is to see if he will claim the victory in the 2nd final and his fifth participation.
Summary
Maradona: 3 WC, 2 finals, 1 victory
Messi: 5 WC, 2 finals, ...
And don't talk about CR7. He's great in his era and I admire him personally but he is not qualified for a comparison if we talk about WC. maybe in other context I'm open to that. It probably doesn't sound fair to him but that's the fact
@@ardashirshah7786 😂😂😂 ... Maradona's football was aesthetically pleasing that's all ... Dude barely scored 30 goals a season , was poor in his club side and you're comparing him to dudes that are like superhumans scoring every single game and assisting every single game ... A single tournament can't make you a GOAT
Nobody mentions Pele in here at all?
He'll be ahead, nowadays athletes are dedicated to the sport and have sports science to help them develop. In Maradona's and Pele's days they were facing cab drivers and guys that worked construction after the game.
He's already the 🐐
If he wins the final he will be lightyear ahead of the distant second
Basically Messi = Ronaldo + Zidane + Hazard (all prime). There has never been a more complete attacking player. And please, when I say complete, it doesn't mean left foot right foot header🤣
The World Cup makes Messi unquestionably the greatest of all time
Maradona is goat,lion,tiger,jaguar......... everything
@@dr.pallab4205 how old are you
@@TM-bk3rl 50 years
Maradona will always be better no matter what records Messi breaks...Messi always played for elite teams while Maradona MADE TEAMS ELITE
@@republikadugave420 Nah. Maradona was good for a couple of years. Messi has reached a much higher level.
Messi´s greatness can not possibly defined by winning or losing final World cup. In my book he is the greatest of all time,
I love the chemistry of Zabaleta and (please ignore my ignorance) the spanish gentleman in the middle! Great chemistry and the Scottish fella really neutralizes the energy in the room. Great chem!
Can I just say, Messi is already ahead of Maradona. If Messi & Argentina win this years World Cup it would be the biggest World Cup story in history. Having being left footed and literally the identical playing style to Maradona and being in his shadow throughout his career is something only he can explain. Having taken Argentina to nearly 6 finals now and if he wins it WILL be the biggest World Cup story ever.
Messi one of the greatest of all time this guy a legend for real
He already is ahead of maradona.
Maradona is dad of all
Never compare
@@dr.pallab4205 he never won copa america and Messi has now.
@@LQFamily it's not about that........ you also know Maradona is on another level.... charismatic, talented,magical human with soccer skills...Messi is no way close
@@dr.pallab4205 you just described Messi 😂 but instead of charismatic, he’s humble and a team player. He’s selflessly given his teammates 26 penalty in the past years. He could’ve been higher on goal count
@@dr.pallab4205 Also boastful and narcissistic, not to mention his addictions and lack of discipline, which cut short his career. Messi is a much better all-round sportsman. 16 years playing consistently at top level. Nobody even comes close to that. Charisma has nothing to do with it.
Messi is already above Maradona. It doesn't matter. You don't win a WC because you are the best player, you win it because you are the best team. It's a team sport.
Last Question is very Good,This is MESSI FC,UK he should be in the show
He would complete the trinity: Kempes - Maradona - Messi
all gifting Argentina a star
🇦🇷⭐️⭐️⭐️🇦🇷
Messi has had the greatest career I've ever seen but I think Maradona gets underrated by the younger generations, he was top scorer in serie A when it was the toughest league in the world, he got kicked miles more than anyone in this era, he was one goal in every two, when that was what the best strikers of his era were doing, on top of that he was the best playmaker of his time...He carried Napoli to titles domestically and European success, I also think they are different players in terms of attributes, anyone who watches Diego knows he could play central midfield, number ten, and second striker, he was super effective on the left as well as the right, his defensive work rate was amazing, Messi is the mercurial talent, similar dribbling ability, I'd say Messi is more consistent with his mentality and that's obvious because Diego Had his problems, It's a little bit unfair on Diego because if he played in the 2000's the space he would have OMG he would have even more room to do his bicycle kick Assists,or if you think about it the other way, Messi would not be able to score the amount of goals he did, he wouldn't be able to play false nine or any of that, it's night and day
I'm old enough to have witnessed both with keen eyes. They are near mirror images of each other but the game was definitely more physical in Diego's day. Just like it was in Bird, Magic, and Jordan's day as opposed to Lebron and Durant's, etc; I think if Maradona was as disciplined as Messi is (in his personal life and physical and mental self-care and whatnot) there would be no question whatsoever who the GOAT is. Maradona was that gifted. And yet Messi is supernaturally gifted, too. And had the benefit of his era being more professional. I dunno. If Messi wins it on Sunday I gotta give him the nod. Although, it must be said, I'm not old enough to have watched Pele and Cruyff and Best and Beckenbauer, so...
@@jhamler1 I don't see them as mirrors images, I don't see Messi ever defending, and he almost always comes from the right or center, he looks to score more as well, they have similar low center of gravity but Diego was stronger period in his physique
@@dennisfreeman4813 They're both short-statured, quick-witted, slick-moving, left-footed, goal-scoring playmakers with low centers of gravity. But you're right. Diego was built more like a brick shithouse, wasn't he? Dude had the thighs of a Minotaur.
@@jhamler1 yea, either way to your point what great players the both are/were, rare breeds
@@dennisfreeman4813 Indeed. However Messi has been covered by the modern media more comprehensively so that (unfairly?) helps his case, I think.
Messi and Manu.. 2 of my favorites argentinian goat to watch of my time. Nothing to disrespect Maradona, he's mesmerized the 6yrs old me. Hope Messi wins the world cup to end his national career 🙏
Messi has shown to the world that he is really the greatest player ever! The WC is icing on the on the cake.
It's ridiculous how some people can't see how flawed the needing to win a world cup argument is. That's down to a team performing, not one player. To win it, Messi will have to rely on ten others doing their jobs. Not to mention, he has shown huge quality at this tournament, which has been made even more impressive by the fact he's 35. Being the greatest should be judged by ability and longevity over a players whole career. Of course team success has to be a factor too, yet the true marker for that is at club level, where a great player is generally able to play for a top team. Greatness shouldn't be determined by winning a competition that comes along every four years, which has a big element of luck involved, like every KO competition.
Amen
Are you making a case for CR7?
Indeed. Tell that to a lot of other braindead nostalgic haters. Some people are so ignorant.
You know ball
@@TonnyOkello No, he's not even in this discussion. Great goal scorer, little more. Isn't that made plainly obvious? He happened to play in teams that played for him. Messi always played for the team. That's what the truly greats do. Because at the end of the day, it's 11 against 11. Nobody understands that better than Messi.
Everyone wants Messi to lift the 2022 world cup, I think we'd never had a player as loved and admired as Messi (like Dinho) by worldwide fans, it says a lot about his character.
Well said!!
Messi has been ahead of everyone including Diego for like 7 years now. Only people who think otherwise are Messi haters or nostalgia fiends. The truth is way too obvious.
Better than Maradona? With no World Cup?
@@Sibstajimjam1719 of course man.
Most individual awards.
Most goals scored in a year.
Most assists in history.
Most man of the matches in history.
Most goals scored in national team.
2 World Cup finals.
How is anyone better lol
I don’t care about your stats, if Messi wins the World Cup he’s the Greatest of all time but if he doesn’t... he’s just another Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan cruyff etc. All the greatest have a World Cup and performed on a high level in them.
Maradona, Pele, Zidane, Ronaldinho
@@Sibstajimjam1719 It doesn’t matter if you care about the stats or not. The World Cup is not an individual trophy, and all those players you mentioned were in crazy stacked national teams. Messi has never had a stacked Argentina team, even this year his attack relies on only him and a 21 year old. Think whatever you want man, Messi even without a World Cup is at least 10 times better than any other player that’s played football.
Messi teammates have been ahead of Maradona teammates.
Messi doesn't need another title to be the best ever and as Maradona was as talented as Messi, his lifestyle didn't revolve around football as much as Messis! Maradona had 7 great years, Messi has 18 great years at the time of most athletic fullbacks and center halfs! 7 Ballon Doro, not to mention that it should been 10!
If Lionel Messi doesn't win on sunday, Diego Maradona will always be Argentina's #1 man. It's all about the world cup.
@@LuciferTheDogKiller If you're an idiot.
Yep, although I'm not sure Maradona was quite as talented as Messi.
@@CC-xu2yz How can a man that went 0-2 in WC finals be considered the goat ?
@@LuciferTheDogKiller Says who? I'm Argentinean and that's not the case for me.
There is no comparing these two great players!
Incomparable, they played in different eras.
So.
@@issi529 so the players maradona faced were probably worse
@@de7518 Yes they were. Wich makes Diego's time weaker.
*PABLO'S LAUGH IS INFECTIOUS AS HECK* 😂😂😂
May the best team win 🏆 🙏 But like many, I would like to see Messi lifting the cup n seriously for me, BOTH Argentina n France are already winners in their own right for elevating WC 2022 👏 👏 👏 🙇♀️
I'm an American, and I was 9 when Maradona retired. As a kid, I never heard much about him. Around 2000 I really got into the sport, and for me it was Ronaldinho, until Messi came along. I've obviously learned over the years about Diego, but Messi is the goat, world cup or not.
He's ALREADY ahead of him! Messi has a superior skillset in every way and a superior resume. Cmon!
He already surpassed Maradona..to do it at high level for 17 years and counting..someone said this before Messi is Maradona everyday but Maradona wasn't Messi everyday something like that..
Jorge Valdano: "Maradona was Maradona sometimes, but Messi is Maradona everyday."
@@ursula3438 I love how Messi fans often bring this one to the table without realising what Valdano meant. 'Messi is Maradona all the time' clearly says that Maradona is the benchmark otherwise he would have said Diego was Messi sometimes but Messi is Messi always.
@@lfk53 obviously Maradona is the reference since he was the greatest footballer in their history at some point...the quote said it all Maradone was Maradona sometimes just pointed out he was great but have very short peak in his career..meanwhile Messi is Maradona everyday said it all
@@dajongedflamer1375 Still missing the point. That statement was made during Messi's ultimate peak season playing in a 'superteam'. It is much easier to have a longer peak (to be Maradona 'all the time' during that season) if your teammates do not have to rely on you 100% of the time and with all the referee protection the modern day player enjoys. Do you think Maradona was Maradona all the time when playing for Napoli during his peak? Was Messi being Maradona all the time during his 1st season at PSG, another 'superteam' in League 1? It is always important to see things in context isn't it?
@@lfk53 i dont think i miss your point..honestly you sounds like a typical Messi haters..if all modern players enjoyed the protection of referees and all the perks that comes with modern rules,how come no one was,is able to create the same reputation as Messi?where were you when Messi's been dragging the Argentina team in the last 3 world cup? He basically dragging them in the World cup qualifying or otherwise they'll not be in Qatar 2022 ?Barca under Rosell tenure, post 2015 Barca? He almost single handedly keep Barca from playing Europa League..he isnt always play with super teams.first season in PSG heavily influenced by his lacked of preseason,shocking transfer,covid and injuries but he perform enough despite the lack of goals and helped PSG grab the league title..it shouldn't be Messi's lacking if Maradona got involved in drugs early on and basically ruin his career..
As fun as it is to ask questions in regards to comparing and rating legends, people shouldn’t take those comparisons seriously. Both Messi and Maradona are legends of the game and legends of their era. You can say one is better than the other according to stats and trophies, but that shouldn’t discredit the work both legends did in their respective eras.
All I know is that the #10 Jersey for Argentina has been filled with legends for a very long time. The next person after Messi has GINORMOUS boots to fill in….if that’s even possible.
Rest In Peace Maradona
For me, Messi is already the GOAT. I have never seen any player like him. Scoring 91 goals in a calender year sums it up.
Definitely yes, Messi has also won Copa America which Maradona never won
Since when copa is a thing?
@@enggarbaskara5326 Rest Bro 🥱
@@enggarbaskara5326 since pele days
They gave Messi about 10 try
You can't compare a Copa America with a world cup.
I think most people who have seen Maradonna play (not just the same old clips they always show) knows the answer is no. One of only 2 players to break the world transfer record twice and took a very poor Napoli team to the very top of the best league in the world at the time. Also got no protection from referees, they would try and kill him on the pitch and he still made magic happen. If the best is judged by goals only then Messi still wouldn't be the best as there's a few who have outscored him. And the Ballon d'Or was only given to European players back when Maradonna was playing. Messi is great, perhaps the best of his generation. But El Pibe de Oro is the greatest by some distance. I feel blessed to have witnessed his greatness and am sorry for those that didn't. You missed the most incredible player.
Only old people think that Messi needs to win to be ahead of Maradona. Maradona didn't even have 400 career goals. Facts and reality wins over feelings!
I have a hard time imagining Messi in a panel with the espn fc crew, but they somehow got Del Pierro so who knows
MESSI doesn't need the World Cup to be ahead of anybody 💯. He is already ahead of everyone that has played the game or is playing the game 💯💯💯
Tell them the truth 👏
I just wish Maradona was still around to watch on Sunday. That would've been extra spicy.
I would love to have Joao at arsenal
4sure
The standards have improved since Maradonas time, players are faster and stronger now than before
God bless you all, if anyone knows what football is, there is no question about Messi being the being the greatest soccer player, he is done it over and over again dribbling scoring assisting passing, no one comes close to Messi, winning the world it’s just missing a piece period.
Why Messi has to win the WC to catch Maradona, but Maradona can have 450 less goals than Messi, 150 less assists, 40 less collective/team titles, etc ??
messi is so clear of maradona lmaoo
as a role model and character, Messi beats Maradona hands down
really sad that maradona is no longer alive to potentially see argentina win the wc
Without the WC, Messi is ahead of everyone, maridona, pele. He has been doing unbelievable stuff for last 16,17 years
@Ardashir Shah Why write the same fictional comment everywhere...
If France win, benzema should get a medal. Wasn’t he a crucial part in a lot of their victories on their road to the World Cup
To get them there in the first place he has a big part in…
He's been ahead of Maradona all around imo. The only thing preventing people from really vocalizing that is the World Cup title. After that, it will be indisputable that Messi is without question ahead of Maradona.
He's already ahead, are you high?
I honestly can’t really see Messi as a pundit, he’s more the type of person to stay out of the public eye with his family.
Oh this is the stupid guy that said south american football is not under developed 🤣🤣🤣. Argentina literally won wc with players from europan football 🤣🤣🤣
90% of the people commenting have never seen Maradona play for 90 minutes 😭
Yea but look at messi stats just 34 goals for argentina vs Messi's 96 goals ... career stats messi close to 800 goals , Maradona I think 250 goals ...messi has much betted playmaking stats also ..triohies also messi won 4 times as much
Messi wrecks maradona in every stats other than the worldcup. If he wins the World Cup, it will just clear the greatness haze which was like a dirt in the eye for messi to be living with no competition.
This is not a dig to Maradona, he's in Top two to four of all time Great. Its just that Messi made you watch the match tirelessly for more than a decade, and kept you "wowing" almost every single game. Its just impossible.
I wonder how many napoli' full matches or argentina full matches (besides world cup final stages) the old men have watched with maradona in it. Everyone of these pundits talks about Diego and they have watched him play so few hours. Its ridiculous lol
I have and Maradona is overrated based on everything.
Overrated dribbling (lost the ball a lot, couldn't dribble more than 2 players)
Not effective enough
Disappeared against tougher teams
Stat-padder (70% of his career goals came from the penalty spot against 2nd and 3rd division teams in every league)
Weak ariel game
awful, horrible finisher
@@DiscoCEO I was told about Messi in 2013. I watch every Messi match. I've followed the US since the 90's and the premier league. I've watched full matches of Maradona but only clips of Pele. I've watched endless matches of Ronaldo since 2013. I don't see how anyone can compare Ronaldo, CR7, to Messi. Maradona is a good comparison but Messi is just ridiculous and the most entertaining player to watch bar none, only Maradona and Pele even compare. I'd say Pele and Messi are the only comparable right now as the best of all time. Regardless of Sunday's result.
Give me The Phenomenon-Pele-Ronaldinho.. You can have your Messis and Maradonas:)
They both belong on the top. Who's ahead purely depends on which generation one belong to. But if Maradona were alive and if there was a way to communicate with Messi, Maradona would surely want to hand over the world footballing torch happily to Messi irrespective of whether Messi wins this world cup or not because of how Messi performed in this World Cup. But Maradona would definitely have seen Messi as the only GOAT in the modern football. Who is ahead is just fodder for discussions? Maradona and Messi will live on forever whether they are ahead of each other or not.
Well is he better now after he won?
By winning the World Cup. There is Messi. And there is everyone else.
Mbappe could score and France win, well that makes him above Messi in world cups, all he needs to do is transfer to Real Madrid.
World Cup is won by a team so Messi still ahead of Maradona. If we are talking about individual greatness then messi was already ahead years ago.
Maradona will always be remembered and will forever be loved.
And will forever be not close to as good as Messi.
Maradona forever my second best player of all time, I really love him, hope argentina takes the WC for him!
9:17 "According to U.K."
He will be the Maradona of our time. He will be the GOAT 🐐 of this generation
Maradona was my absolute hero as a kid but I have to admit that Messi has now surpassed him. The reason being the sheer amount of goals he's scored. He is the perfect footballer. If Messi lifts the trophy on Sunday it will be the greatest moment in the history of football
When you talk about the goat, there are several kinds of goat. Best overall career, most winning, best at their peak in a single match, best season. Best at scoring, best at playmaking, best at dribbling and providing chances and assisting. So one could argue its not really possible to have a goat...yet incredibly ist possible, cause there is one guy who has it all (lol) and yet, lots of people cant see the obvious. Its unreal.
Am I the only one thinking Pablo’s response very diplomatic
Nah. He's great but nobody is like Diego.
Both Argentina(Messi)and France(Mbappa)number 10 has 5 goals and number 9(Álvarez and Giroud) has 4 goals Even Stevie. Let see who going to score this week Sunday and who going to the World Cup and golden boot.
Even without a World Cup he is better than Meradona and Pele.
He's already ahead of Maradona. As great as Maradona was, his peak career was shorter than Messi's and tainted by drug controversy. Think back to 1994 WC and all that trouble in Napoli. Messi is still powering on at 35 and it wouldn't surprise me, if he makes one more wold cup.
No. They are in Different era, we can’t really compare. But on influence, Messi is far below of Maradona.
Maradona is symbol for most everyday Argentinian struggle , he was one of them who made it. And the Napoli.
There are People who build Maradona church!
Not to say Maradona played in Napoli (bad team that time at the most difficult league in the world.
Idiots built Maradona church. This is just the pathetic popular need for idols. Yeah, he had influence alright--the wrong kind of influence. We'll never know how many kids fell to addictions on account of this bad example.
Messi > Maradona
I think this would make him the greatest of all time instead of "one of the" greatest players of all time!
Provola aside from being a cheese is also a word for a bald head, hence why this is actually a very creative and funny word creation considering Zabaleta‘s lack of hair
Messi has the longevity but what Maradona did in Napoli is almost impossible to do
If Maradona did then it wasn’t impossible. And Messi never played for Napoli so how would we know?
@Karma_Police369 because messi isnt a player who plays on mediocre teams, puts them on his shoulders, leads, and wins. Messi n cristiano are NOT those types of players. Wht teams have they played on?....thats your answer.
@@DeeCalz11 Did u see the barca messi played with from 2017-2021, u must be joking. Since he left its their second time going to Europa even with new signings which speaks volumes of what messi did. And I don't even want to talk about managers cuz xavi is way better than the past clowns
@@DeeCalz11 my guy…. Did you watch Barcelona in Messi’s last three seasons there? One of the biggest carry jobs of all time
It’s also overlooked because it’s the preliminary stages of the FIFA World Cup but Messi is as close to entirely responsible as you can get for single-handedly getting Argentina qualified for that World Cup. Let’s not forget 2014 either. That Arg side had no right to be in that final with the overall quality they had lol
Even surrounded by mediocrity he’s head and shoulders above the rest.
Your argument is a dumb talking point often repeated that can very easily be shut down if you just take 5 minutes to look at Messi and Ronaldo’s careers.
CR7 also did gigantic carry jobs for Juve and MU last season. I wouldn’t agree they’re as big of an effort or success as Messi’s, but his work still needs to be respected to the point that he is also at the top of footballs all time greats. Messi still edges him though 😉
@@DeeCalz11 he's doing it right now in front of your eyes! Argentina were not favorites to make it to the finals and ppl were saying he's been carrying a mediocre national team for years!!
100% ahead of Maradona with or without the world cup. The only downside for me will be that Messi didn't test himself in other leagues.
Hes already ahead
Way ahead.
I don’t understand the rhetoric of Jao to Arsenal. With Saka, Jesus, Oilgard, Nketiah , where is he suppose to play?
Maradona was an over skilled maverick and was a phenomenon !!! It’s difficult to match up to his stature and what Argentinians feel about him !!!! Now said the sheer longevity messi has shown in different competitions and the way he has carried average teams of the past got to show his skills !!! Both players, just blessed by god to make all of us enjoy the most popular sport on this planet even more. God will bestow his blessings on Messi and we all will continue to share this moment with future generations !!!! Good Luck messi and thank you for giving all of us some amazing moments to remember for the rest of our lives 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
which Messi teams were average please compared to their opposition
@@abdullahimusa4927 Other than the 2006 squad and the current one, every other Argentina national team. Last 4 years at Barcelona, I would say even below average.
@@piscesman54 2010 Argentine squad
SAMUEL,HEINZE,MILITO,MAXI-RODRIGUEZ,TEVEZ,PASTORE,di María
Zabaleta Higuaín,Messi,Mascherano,Agüero,Lavezzi,Rojo. Statistically Argentine players especially the offensive players turn out monster stats for their club sides collectively they were better than any other national team pre-world cup
.2014 squad di María,Zabaleta,Higuaín,Messi,Mascherano,Agüero,Lavezzi,Rojo. This time around their defense wasnt very good but aside maybe Brazil, Spain, Germany tell me which others teams could put out these names (yeh very weak national side).
And for Barcelona they were average side compared to who Bibao,Villareal, Roma, please man
@@abdullahimusa4927 The 2010 squad was a shambles. Never mind what they did at their clubs. They did not function together as a team because Maradona did not have a clue about coaching. Defensively they were very weak. Why do you think they lost 4-0 to Germany in quarterfinals? The 2014 squad was better coached, but very poor in offense, Di María and Agüero carrying injuries. Higuaín missing clear chances. a team is not about names. It's about making the whole better than just the sum of the parts. I don't know what you point is.
he is already ahead of him...7 years prime vs 14 yearsprime
If we're talking about actual football? Then Yes
Even if we're talking about their International career's, then Yes
But to the Argentine people? NEVER. He could have won 3 world cups and still wouldn't mean as much as Diego meant for the Argentine people. For them Diego is/was a religion.
P.S. Anyone who disagrees with the first two parts, we can have a civilized conversation as to why or you can come at me and let's f***ing go, but be prepared. I won't take just to basic stuff that gets thrown around these days, you must know your stuff.
@@pigged_ Lol, had to be aggressive to scare away those guys, probably won't work though, but yeah he is god for Argentines for a number of reasons both football and non-football related, both on the pitch and off the pitch related.
Things have changed though. Many of the younger generation lean more towards Messi; given they grew up watching him. It's the older generation who place Maradona as the standout. If Messi wins the world cup, I think he will certainly be viewed as on the same level as time goes on. Of course though that is down to the team as a whole, not him alone.
@@Gfresh844 Well a very common answer from Argentines is "For my dad/mom/uncle/aunt/older relative, it was Maradona, but for me Messi"
So I do see your point there, but the thing is legends never really die, and Maradona has precisely that, legend, a legend that to be perfectly honest far eclipsed the measure of what he achieved on the pitch, but still his legend all the same, told, and retold, until it has taken a far greater stance than actual events. Which is why I think it'll be difficult for Messi to compete with that legend. I guess it remains to be seen what Messi's legend is like, but with all the negativity of social media, one fears that it will corrupt his legend.
For example, Messi is not a bad penalty taker, he's missed 30, Ronaldo has missed 29, yet because of social media he has this reputation as a bad penalty taker that you see even pundits and people who should be more professional about football repeating it. Messi has better performances in almost all measure in what can be considered big games than Ronaldo, but thanks to social media, Ronaldo is the one with the reputation of being a big-game player, which naturally translates to Messi being seen as not a big game player.
Maradona also had his issues, and I'm not talking about the off the field ones, but without Social Media to highlight and magnify these issues, it's a lot easier for rosy retrospection to set in, but for Messi, you feel there always going to be the BUT he didn't, BUT he wasn't.
Anyways, that's why I don't know if his legend can ever grow that big. I honestly hope it gets the embellishment it deserves in the positive sense, because he certainly is deserving
@@Tunde....Ballack You're 2nd para is immaculate . Social media propagates positive and negative , especially a lot .
with or without world cup he still will be ahead of everyone
Currently
1. Pele 2. Maradona 3. Ronaldo
4. Messi 5. Zidane
If messi wins
1. Pele 2. Maradona 3. Messi
4. Ronaldo 5. Zidane 6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Very stupid take man lol
1. Pele 2. Maradona 3. Ronaldinho 4. Ronaldo Nazario 5. Messi
Maradona has done nothing to be above Messi
Same with Pele
You have no Brian. How can you say Ronaldo is better than Messi if you say Pele and Maradona are better than Ronaldo? That make no sense. And on what do you base that Pele and Maradona are 1 and 2?
Where's is mbappe on this list
Messi will have achieved more than Maradona by winning world cup, thus making him better. Both legends but Messi more incredible
Argentina 3
France1
🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🙏
4-2 on penalties!
Messi is a goat at club level for his achievements at Barca and some records in Argentina selection
Maradona is goat for Argentina imo because of charisma and lead to 2 finals in 4 editions
Messi also lead 2 finals in 5 edition
@@Angela_Bianca 2 finals in 4 full campaigns * . Don't count the 2006 one as Messi was a literal 17-18 yr old and didn't get to play vs Germany .
I mean ESPN are known for grooming Messi why wouldn’t he come on to this show
Imagine if Shaka had been on Extra Time!! Pablo and him would be having a debate!!
Comparing Messi and Maradona is like comparing a son to his father. Regardless of how successful the son becomes, without his father he wouldn't be alive. Maradona raised the standard then Messi took that and raised it higher.
What? Lol
What? I can tell that made sense in your head but what a terrible analogy. How would Messi not be Messi if maradona wasn’t alive… if Maradona never played football it would probably be better for Messi. No one to compare him to he’d just be the best then.
Lmfao
@ThePizzboy wrong, almost always there needs to be a level of standard that is the driving force. Maradona wanting to be better than pele, messi wanting to be better than maradona, lebron wanting to be better than mj. Your def wrong on that one.
@@DeeCalz11 that honestly doesn’t seem right at all, for one, Messi doesn’t use Maradona as a driving force or motivation, or even a standard to live up to bc how could he anyway? In Messi’s eyes he would probably say he could never even get close to Maradona and plus they didn’t even play together. In fact if you wanna go there, then it would be Ronaldo who can be considered his motivation or competition, his driving force to be even better and better, so if Maradona never existed, then no that shouldn’t really have any effect whatsoever on Messi’s career and his greatness
@@ThePizzboy Its quite simple, Maradona set an example, something Messi as a child could look to and pattern and someday surpass. Maradona raised the bar, then Messi took that and raised it higher, but Maradona had to raise it first and be a inspiration for Messi.
Messi passed Maradona a long time ago! He’s played at the highest level for over 15 years, has won so many trophies (individual and collective), and his stats are like 3 times better than Maradona’s. I don’t understand how this is still an argument.
He might be the best of 2 Frauds but Frauds should never be #1, so pele it is.
How are they frauds
@@zeyadhesham7472 one has 3 assists from the ref, the other had massive volleyball skills.
keep hatingg i love how that jealousy of yours is consuming you I LOVE ITT😍😍
If messi wins on Sunday he's miles ahead of Pele, messi already has more goals and assists, the only difference is the wc, which Pele was able to win because he had a God squad that won it without him, if messi wins it with a bunch of children, he's even more clear.
@@locoloco3866 I'm the one scoring, I'm the one getting tripped/fouled and the puppet master is gonna defraud me of my Golden boot, says Alvarez. I guess he has no reason to hate him neither. He driblles 1 and gets an assist, I dribble 3 and score and it's always about the puppet shooter. lol Who do you think hates him more? Poor Alvarez
Why is ESPN obsessed with this question? It's the 3rd or 4th time they bring it up.
World cup does not make you the best player.. its makes you a Icon.
survive the group win four games in a row, i have seen west brom, sunderland. watford play four great games in a row. champions league is the S tier trophy
Messi always have been Maradona 1986 WC skill and art, But he doing that straightful for 20 years what he didnt have before is Maradona beast mentality that made Argentina fell pride for having Maradona as their Football Gods,
The Match of Argentina vs Netherland is shocked and pride Argentina fans when they directly saw Messi became monster mentality, By directly lead and defend his teammates and its peak with his straightly walk to Van Gal without starting brawl, Thats the moment He is surpassed Maradona is