The former Internazionale defender Javier Zanetti becomes the latest person to comment on the ever-popular football debate involving Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. The former Inter captain believes that a comparison between Messi and Maradona is pointless as both of them are unique in their own way.
Football fans worldwide have been involved in the debate over who is the better player between Maradona and Messi since Messi came into the spotlight. Both Argentine players have been immensely successful and popular in their own way and Zanetti feels that a comparison between the two is a waste of time.
Maradona, who won the FIFA World Cup for Argentina in 1986, is still an Iconic figure in world football. Although he has been involved in some major controversies in his time as a football player, his fan base hasn’t dwindled. Apart from winning the World cup in 1986, Maradona has won two Serie-A titles for his club Napoli.
Ever since he entered the world of football, Messi has won almost every accolade there is to be won. He has won a record number of five Ballon d’Or titles and four Champions League titles for his club FC Barcelona. Messi has also helped his club in winning seven Spanish League titles. If things go right, then Messi will have another La Liga title this season with a possible treble win.
There is no need to win a World Cup to certify Messi’s talent
The only major trophy which has eluded Lionel Messi so far is the holy grail of football, the FIFA World Cup. Under Messi’s leadership, Argentina got close to winning the coveted trophy in 2010 when they reached the final of the tournament only to be defeated by Germany by one goal.
Zanetti, the current vice president of Inter said, “I do not understand the comparisons between the two. I think Diego was unique and Messi is doing unique things. What can you say about Messi? A guy who has won five Ballon d' Ors, four Champions Leagues and has scored 97 goals in a year.”
“Messi is an ambassador of Argentina, and I am also proud of him as an Argentine,” he added.
