Seven Ballons d’Or, four Champions Leagues, collective and individual distinctions in spades, a Copa America and now a World Cup: by lifting the last major trophy that was missing from his immense record, Lionel Messi has joined Pelé and Diego Maradona in the pantheon of the greatest players in history.
Long opposed to Diego Maradona during the first part of his international career, the native of Rosario joined El pibe de oro in the hearts of Argentine fans. The two champions clash over their personalities, their way of life and even certain aspects of their game. But does Messi surpass the ultimate icon of this great footballing country? For Lionel Scaloni, the answer is clear.
Scaloni, his strong words on Messi
If he has an undiminished admiration for Diego Maradona, the current Argentina coach believes that the trace left by Lionel Messi in history is greater than that of his predecessor. It also puts Messi ahead of another recently departed champion, Pelé.
” If I had to choose one, it would be Leo, released Lionel Scaloni in an interview with COPE. I tied something special with him. He is the best player of all time, even though Maradona was also amazing. »
” The first thing I did when I took over in 2018 was make a video call with Messi, also specified the Argentinian technician. I told him we were expecting him. That’s what we did, and eight months later he arrived in an incredible group. An approach that has paid off, to say the least.
