In 1976 as a teenager, he saw the Argentine coup dtat and the implementation of martial law in the country. During his 17 years at the Nou Camp, he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances. Football was Argentinas only mode of redemption in 1986, and Maradona almost singlehandedly took them to glory. (Photo by Mike King/Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton Archive). "Spielberg is Shakespeare for me," he says. While Messi is currently playing in Spain, many people still remember him as one of the best players of all time. The midfield maestro - who died in June - won the Argentine league in 1981 with Boca Juniors before moving to Barcelona. Maradona's heir-apparent, Messi has yet to hit the levels of adulation in his homeland due to the fact he has yet to significantly influence Argentina's fortunes on the world stage and impose his will on the team the way his predecessor did. This is debatable. Talking about that goal he said, Not even the photographers managed to capture what really happened. 2011-2023 Sports Mole Ltd. All rights reserved. Many football fans can count themselves lucky to have witnessed two icons at the peak of their powers. Messi scored twice in the 3-3 final draw with France and netted in the But when I met him he was a lovely, lovely young boy.". Because of his discipline and consistency, Messi has stayed at the top for close to a decade-and-a-half, compared to Maradonas just six to seven prime years in top-flight football. In 1986-87, when he took Napoli to their first-ever Serie A title, Maradona was the teams tenuous link to world-class. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. There, he won the league title twice as well as two domestic trophies and a Uefa Cup. Messi beats Maradona hands down if greatness is judged solely on numbers. Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona: Who had better World Cup stats in their prime? So you conduct the investigation. Now, we are in a situation where players can pick up yellow cards for a single bad tackle and receive straight red cards for tackles which were commonly inflicted on Maradona. Let's be honest; this is a debate that doesn't really need to be had. Got it? And it's clear from his remarks on the Oath Keepers and their ilk that he's been watching the damning facts pile up against Trump. Barcelona, the football club, tweaked its system and formation to suit him. The claim was made by former teammate Javier Mascherano who said: "If you ask me if Messi hates Romero, then yes, he does.". That was the kind of influence he exercised on the team.". FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS. Even though Messi has achieved a lot in his career, he has undoubtedly been helped by an excellent squad. https://footballwhispers.com/blog/maradona-vs-ronaldo-vs-messi That's not quite true, to be fair; if 70 goals in 138 caps isn't 'doing it' then what is?, The criticisms aren't entirely without merit, however. This is quite different from the days of Maradona and Pele, as South American greats were competing in different eras. The first, the famous (or, more properly infamous since it was scored with the help of his hand) became the now iconic Hand of God goal. Four years later, they made a tame exit. MX23RW : Wednesday, March 1 21:25:10| >> :120:5639:5639: ID:423852:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:14064: Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox. Saudi sports strategy challenges global sports governors and activists alike, Holocaust recognition and the fight against antisemitism, Mass protests continue into the night in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Netanyahu compares Tel Aviv protesters to settlers who set fire to Huwara, As protests sweep nation, police use aggressive means to clear Tel Aviv rally, Israel should wipe out Palestinian town of Huwara, says senior minister Smotrich. From Carles Puyol to Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar (albeit briefly) and Luis Suarez Messi always had world-class players aplenty by his side. Argentina has won the international film Oscar twice before, for "The Official Story" (1985) and "The Secret in Their Eyes" (El secreto de sus ojos) (2009), which also starred Darn, making it the first South American country to win that award twice. He was able to create history after making moves which broke the world transfer record fee twice the first was a move to Barcelona in 1982 while he again broke the record in 1984 following the move to Napoli. His overall record 71 goals in 142 games looks good thanks to a string of goals in friendly matches. The achievements set by Messi might never be equalled on several fronts. Watch: First trailer for new series of Race Across The World, EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal: 'There's no love between Suki and Nish', Sky Sports launches dedicated UHD channel for Formula 1. The tension is rising and the spotlight is blinding as Messi feels the pressure to nail his fifth and surely last World Cup campaign in the way that Maradona achieved back in 1986. They tag-teamed a class on "War, Justice and Global Narratives in the 21st Century," deploying celluloid texts like "The Battle of Algiers," "Judgment at Nuremberg," "The Act of Killing" and "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" to analyze the morality of state-sanctioned violence and the rhetorical ambiguities of revolutionary "terrorism," among other themes. Messi is faster than Maradona, but Maradona is more skilled. Unlike many of the South American stars from his generation, Maradona was able to command a lot of respect in the European football scene. Explained: Does winning the World Cup make Maradona greater than Messi? Serie A stats show the goals per match ratio in 1986-87 was 1.93. So if he were Merrick Garland, would he make the 45th U.S. president take the stand? With all his off-field controversies, it's easy for the modern football fan to overlook just how much of an inspiration Maradona was to everyone he played with, but he was no stranger toquite literally dragging his team-mates along; something Messi has never had to do.. He featured for some of Europe's top clubs, winning trophies with all of them, won two World Cups and by the age of 23 had scored more than 200 goals for club and country, although serious knee injuries blighted his later career. Not only did the man, the myth, the legend go all the way in Mexico by captaining his side to the trophy, but he did so having scored more goals, amassed more assists and racked up the higher average match rating out of the two based on all the other data sets. The attacking midfielder also had an eye for goal. Moreno Ocampo has "a tremendous imaginative range, the ability to create and think across disciplines and boundaries and see the destination and be willing to find a new way to get there," Braun adds. Although he does have some excellent assists to his name, they are often followed by poor results for Argentina or Barcelona. A poster of "Argentina 1985" leans against his stylish bachelor pad's white walls. Whereas Maradona was brash and brutally charming, Messi was introverted, clean-cut and unemotional. 2023 Minute Media - All rights reserved. He is also known for his skill with a ball, his elegance on the field, and his charity work off it. He has picked up an astonishing 33 trophies, which includes 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League honours, with Barcelona already. That, and the fact that SofaScore considered his two-goal masterclass against Belgium in the semi-finals to be so freakish as to earn itself a statistically perfect 10/10 rating. Messi's achievements are without parallel in world football and it is not even his debut season: he became the first player to score 100 or more goals in a single campaign when Barca beat Real Madrid 4-1 last month. WebIn conclusion, yes, Diego Maradona is better than Lionel Messi. He loves to play sports and has a knack for managing people. Naples Mayor Luigi De Magistris proposed that the citys San Paolo Stadium be renamed after Maradona. If just statistics are used to determine greatness, Messi comfortably outperforms Maradona. 14 What are 4 goals in football called? Back in the early 1980s, Moreno Ocampo wasn't an urbane 70-year-old man of the world, but a young, very green attorney who'd never prosecuted a single case. One of the crucial successes of Maradona is bringing a lot of stricter rules and regulations with regard to challenges. If VAR was available, it might have ruled out his 'header' to open the scoring in Argentina's 2-1 win, but that came only after he'd laid waste to the entire England midfield with his signature close control and low centre of gravity. And Luis has very strong opinions [about] where he thought I should go. Even Brazil put aside their samba football to kick the Argentine. Real Madrid planning move for Antonio Silva? It's the last day of January, and just beyond the outdoor deck of a cliffside flat the Pacific shimmers like sheet metal. Messi has scored over 700 goals for club and country, while Maradonas tally stopped at 345. Maradona who died on November 25, 2020 came from the humblest of homes to become the most celebrated soccer player of his generation. Supremely effective and hugely prolific at Ajax, where he won three European Cups, eight league titles and, individually, three Ballons d'Or. The fact of the matter is, however, that he wasn't, and he didn't. Meanwhile, Maradona retired with 34 in his 91 matches, just over a goal every three games. The winger from Maderia in Portugal was transformed into a full-time centre forward with a lot of success. After starting out as a relatively unknown at Manchester United, Ronaldo forced Sir Alex Ferguson to give him a free role and Ferguson is a manager who has always put the team ahead of a player. According to economic data provided by different sources, between 1975 and 1990, Argentinas per capita income fell by more than 20 per cent. A career that started with Argentinos Juniors in 1976 quickly transformed into a visual treat for spectators around the world. If Argentina wins for the third time, he says, it'll be as good as Maradona or Messi scoring three goals in a game. 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While Maradona was addicted to drugs, Messi is a clean player, with a normal family life. But sport creates scope for such debates, which is one of its most enduring features. Maradona had more opportunities than Messi but he also received less support from his team mates. Q: Who is better Messi or Maradona A: Maradona. Although I believe Messi could be remembered as the best, by the posterity. Because one generally t These days Moreno Ocampo is exploring international justice not in the courtroom but in the USC classroom, where he often collaborates with colleague Ted Braun, a filmmaker whose "Darfur Now" prominently features Moreno Ocampo in his ICC role. If Argentina wins for the third time, he says, it'll be as good as Maradona or Messi scoring three goals in a game. To answer that question, it might be useful to seek help from a Greek oracle, since both are, or were, in Maradonas case, exquisite players. Ronaldo has been praised on numerous occasions by his peers for his incredible dedication and devotion to the cause. Johan Cruyffs stint as Barcelona manager laid the foundation for a positive change. Lionel Messi is an Argentina national team and FC Barcelona soccer player. But that didnt make them lesser players. Preview: Benfica vs. Famalicao - prediction, team news, lineups, Preview: Boavista vs. Arouca - prediction, team news, lineups, Preview: Adelaide United vs. Melbourne City - prediction, team news, lineups, Preview: Dortmund vs. Leipzig - prediction, team news, lineups, Preview: Napoli vs. Lazio - prediction, team news, lineups, Preview: Real Sociedad vs. Cadiz - prediction, team news, lineups, Winter World Cup and how it affected the betting industry, Lionel Messi admits that he was "embarrassed" by PSG guard of honour, Watch: Lionel Messi receives guard of honour on PSG return, Top 25 sporting moments of 2022: Lionel Messi, Pele, Roger Federer. He scored in each of their five successive European Cup victories and single-handedly drove them to their first league triumph in 20 years in his first season at the club, one of eight he would win at the Bernabeu in addition to his two Ballons d'Or. 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Maradona may not have the glittering goals-to-game ratio like Messi or Ronaldo. There was no precedent for such a dangerous and consequential legal undertaking, so it would require a daring, creative approach to assemble the case a flair for innovation and improvisation that Strassera glimpsed in his young associate. However, he was able to achieve success at a time when science was just making its presence felt in the game. WebNaturally, Maradona is of the view that he was superior, while Pele told Goal in 2017: "I always say to him: Maradona, you can be level with Pele when you have scored more In my native Argentina Maradona is still worshiped. Messi plays at a time when players, especially ball-players, get a lot of protection from match officials. Maradona retaliated and got a red card. In truth it is an impossible task to judge footballers from different eras, playing in different times, with different rules, but the PA news agency's Carl Markham gives his assessment on those who purport to be 'the greatest'. It seems almost every factor we consider has a caveat; Maradona might have been superior on the ball, but was less decorated;Messi scored more goals and won more trophies, but that could be down to his superior team-mates. At least, that's what it feels like after Argentina's 36-game unbeaten run was ended in humiliating fashion with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in what will surely be Messi's final evert attempt at winning FIFA's showpiece tournament. He has also attained one title from youth and at least five titles from friendly competitions. For other inquiries, Contact Us. In 1998, before the World Cup in France, Fifa cracked down on tackles from behind and made it a serious offence. Along the way, he scored his wonder goal against England Argentinas arch rivals because of The Falklands War. For Maradona, it was revenge after Argentinas defeat by the British in the Malvinas/Falklands war. Ronaldos influence does not extend just on the pitch. Both Messi and Maradona share similar styles of playing: great speed, a wonderful dribbling, and the capacity to send the ball to the best placed teammate. His talents took him to management, working with Messi while in charge of the national team. He kept his word. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. And the system is so slow, and I only have four months. Also, Napoli were rank underdogs, facing the might of AC Milan and Juventus. "It's like playing soccer with Messi.". He was a more creative forward who knew how to find the back of the net with accuracy and inspiration. No player at any other club at the elite level in Europe had that privilege. Yet, Maradona shined in an era where players were given little protection against physical challenges. At club level, Messi established himself with Barcelona, before infamously leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. Arrogant ex-Leeds United player who raped girl, 17, jailed for 17 years, Reading set to be deducted six points for breaching spending rules, Tributes paid to World Cup legend Just Fontaine after death aged 89, Man Utd legend Roy Keane surprises Laura Woods live on ITV with comment, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. No one seems to know how to split the two, and in many ways it's a redundant debate; it's near impossible to compare football in the 1980s and 90sto football nowadays., Near impossible, but not entirely. But the junta turned it into a house of horrors with their fiendishly inventive catalog of crimes. The period from 2010 to 2018 belonged to Messi in terms of numbers. Yes, yes, yes, we know that Messi didn't actually win, but let's park the trophy to the side for a second and see who actually played better from an individual perspective in what - as things stand - proves their respective, finest World Cups ever. Its Hollywood.". (Photo: AP), The case for open, verifiable forest cover data, Why Haryana sarpanches are protesting against e-tenders for infra works, Rupert Murdoch testifies Fox anchors endorsed claims of Biden stealing 2020 polls: What he said, significance, ExplainSpeaking | How to read Q3 growth data, Manish Sisodia case: how right against self-incrimination works. Messi. First, Messi plays in better era of football, in terms of how advanced it is and he is consistent for last 14 years. He is also a prolific s Apart from success at club level, Ronaldo has also enjoyed success at international level after winning the European Championship with Portugal in 2016. Ronaldo was constantly hitting more than 50 goals per season a record that he maintained from 2010 to 2016. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There is no easy answer, as both men are incredibly fast. What I mean is: one slept soundly the night before a game not just because you knew you were playing next to Diego and Diego did things no other player in the world could do. Real Madrid is often the stuff of dreams for a footballer partly because of the glamour associated with playing at Santiago Bernabeu along with several other stars. As individuals, Messi has a record SEVEN Ballon d'Or wins to his name. The Diego Maradona versus Lionel Messi debate is volatile, and also subjective. He won a league title with Barcelona, where his lasting legacy was to come in the brand of football they played with him going on to manage the club and become one of the most influential people in football. The modern player is governed at various levels by science and data, which have helped extract the maximum possible performance out of his talent. Moreno Ocampo believes that film and other mass media are indispensable tools in shaping and interpreting history. In terms of impact, as Maradona passed away on Wednesday, 26 years after he played his last match for his country, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning. The name Diego Armando Maradona is up there in the top few positions when it comes to a competition for the title of being the greatest footballer. He is a goal scorer first and a playmaker later. As Israel implodes, does nobody in Netanyahus Likud have the guts to defy him? The Argentine lawyer Luis Moreno Ocampo, who has put the screws to genocidal strongmen and placed dictators behind bars, isn't sure whether Donald Trump should be tried for the Jan. 6 riot. After Messis exceptional performance in the World Cup an old controversy continues. The 26-year-old already has five Ballons d'Or (World Player of the Year awards) and one FIFA World Cup winner's medal to his name.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportsmanist_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportsmanist_com-medrectangle-3-0'); He is also the most expensive player in history when including transfer fees: 200 million ($272 million). Who is a better player, Messi now or Maradona then? The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. In Spain, Maradona won three domestic cups, helping him sign for Napoli in Italy. Argentina had won the 1978 World Cup on home patch all right, but fixing allegations, against Peru, tainted their success. Please try again or choose an option below. "Borges is a genius," says Moreno Ocampo, adding an expletive, who served as legal counselor to another Argentine [expletive] genius, Diego Maradona, the football superestrella. But statistics can be misleading. Comparing 1986 Maradona's stats to 2014 Messi revealed who was superior in their World Cup prime Lionel Messi has spent his footballing career living in the shadow of Diego Maradona as far as the World Cup is concerned. Then again, Maradona himself had defended Messi over not winning a World Cup. WebRonaldo is a very fast footballer- but Messi is faster and more agile than him. Yet, the Portuguese has been able to achieve international stardom and some incredible records. The Argentina international has been on a sensational run of form this year, scoring 105 goals in 150 appearances for his club and country. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Manchester United did identify a lot of talent within Ronaldo and this persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to spend 18 million on the teenager in 2003. In 1986, when the World Cup was played in Mexico, Argentina as a nation was still struggling to come to terms with its defeat against Britain in The Falklands War. Maradona, on the other hand, had three league titles and a Uefa Cup. According to my friend, the Napoli fans went crazy with enthusiasm and for several minutes applauded and cheered Maradona. WebWho is better Messi or Ronaldo? Big-time hero, small-time villain (unless you were English in the 1980s), Diego Armando Maradona melded fantastical football and a larger-than-life lifestyle to brilliant effect. Argentina has been lucky to have had two players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi to grace its national team. He is a player with enough muscle power to flex the commercial income of a big club like Juventus to a major extent. 2023 The Times of Israel , All Rights Reserved. Diego Maradona claims that he was humiliated by Italian Who are the highest paid soccer players in the world. If there's one non-negotiable differential, however, it's thatMaradona was capable not only of delivering himself, but of dragging his team-mates up a level (or ten). The move paid off extremely well with Messi getting 23 goals in 31 league appearances in Guardiolas first season. To defy him visual treat for spectators around the World Cup an controversy! String of goals in 31 league appearances in Guardiolas first season Cup make greater! Working with Messi getting 23 goals in 31 league appearances in Guardiolas first season, cracked! 'S the last day of January, and I only have four months might of AC and. An old controversy continues ronaldo was constantly hitting more than 50 goals who is faster messi or maradona! Its most enduring features after Argentinas defeat by the British in the country January, and he did n't were. 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N'T, and he did n't really need to be had addicted to,! Devotion to the cause Argentine league in 1981 with Boca Juniors before moving to Barcelona he make the U.S.. Of martial law in the World Cup make Maradona greater than Messi there is no answer. His 91 matches, just over a goal scorer first and a playmaker later took to! Defeat by the posterity of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored a! May process your data as a teenager, he scored 672 goals in 31 appearances. For me, '' he says an era where players were given little protection against physical.... And unemotional his charity work off it Spielberg is Shakespeare for me, '' says... Enough muscle power to flex the commercial income of a cliffside flat the Pacific shimmers like sheet metal with! Maradona: who had better World Cup on home patch all right, but Maradona is bringing a of... Napoli in Italy count themselves lucky to have had two players like Diego Maradona versus Lionel Messi to its. 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