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Lionel Messi’s star has fallen after a traumatic loss with Argentina in the Copa America Centenario final, to the extent that legendary AC Milan and Italy coach, Arrigo Sacchi has claimed that Diego Maradona is a better player, while also ranking Alfredo di Stefano ahead of the Barcelona star, noting the 29-year-old’s ‘lack of a personality’.
Speaking to La Nacion, Sacchi was full of praise for Maradona, while noting Messi was inferior, saying “Messi is the best player in the world right now, but he lacks Maradona's personality. Maradona could play anywhere. Diego made the difference in Spain and Italy.”
Sacchi recalled why he considers Maradona better than Messi, while also placing him behind Di Stefano in the list of the best Argentinian players, saying “Maradona and Alfredo Di Stefano are Argentina's two greatest players ever. Playing against Maradona was the worst thing that could happen to you. I have never seen anyone like him. He could create something from out of nowhere.”
“We once played against him with Milan and totally dominated. Then Diego got the ball, shook off two players and set up Careca, who scored the 1-0 for them. I have never seen someone who was so decisive.”
Messi not at fault for Argentina’s international failure
Following a traumatic third consecutive final loss in as many years with Argentina, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Albiceleste in the immediate aftermath of the Copa America Centenario final. The Barcelona forward copped a ton of criticism for his decision, in addition to what is perceived as a failure on his part in his homeland
However Sacchi does not hold Messi responsible, noting that football was a team game, saying “A team has a certain potential and not even Messi can unlock that on his own. Argentina are missing a clear game plan. You can never rely on just one player.”
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“I once told Silvio Berlusconi that not even the greatest actors could save a movie without a great script, not even Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson or George Clooney. Football is the same. You need 11 players who are hugely motivated and want to play for the team. And a coach with a clear philosophy. Argentina are always among the favourites, but maybe they need more cohesion and team-spirit.”
