Ale Moreno will be on the Messi over Maradona train if Argentina wins the World Cup | ESPN FC

The ESPN FC crew discusses Lionel Messi's impact on Argentina fans and debate whether winning the World Cup would put him over Diego Maradona.
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[@na8744]

Messi and Maradona are the same interms of quality But messis longevity makes him the greatest of all time

[@AlricoAmona98]

Na messi is a far superior goal scorer. Let's not forget 91 goals in a calender year

[@drowdreyar7402]

Skillfulness.. Messi surpassed Maradona almost in every aspect..

[@sinclairmasher1748]

Messi is superior.

[@user-xg6sx5ev9u]

That argument was over by 2012, people are prisoner of their nostalgia

[@malikethblackblade7565]

Maradona is not as good of a goalscorer

[@ow124]

We tend to forget that the Pele and Maradona eras were different to times now I'm a full blood Madrid and Brazil fan,but Messi is a whole different player to anyone who ever played the game The guy is brilliant

[@tyronelorenzovalentio3414]

Doubt it

[@Rayado_26]

Curious are you Brazilian living in Madrid

[@stampedmetalsword8099]

Maradona was way more physically powerful than Messi.

[@RFG910]

@@stampedmetalsword8099 😂

[@W0lf_91]

@@stampedmetalsword8099 Not in a million years. The way Messi holds off defenders and literally pushes off guys 3 stone heavier is insane

[@mandardesai]

These Debates will never end but I think Argentina as a Country Should be proud of the fact that they Produced 2 of the Greatest Footballers of All Time.

[@rechkuot6718]

They will end in 50 years time. There will be only one GOAT that’s Leo Messi.

[@noice8674]

It already ended the moment he won 7th Ballon D'or. Whatever he is doing now is just cementing his place as undisputed best.

[@vb2388]

3…don’t forget Alfredo Di Stéfano

[@inzykhan415]

@@noice8674 lmao blind pessi fanboy he was gifted 2 ballon dors everyone an their dogs know he robbed Lewandowski

[@mtk3755]

Exactly both should be celebrated.

[@akeembrown8888]

Messi a real legend 🏆😉🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@BC-mj7gj]

Messi is the greatest player of all times whether Argentina win or lose. Individual brilliant and team achievement are not the same. Now let's put entire french team in that conversation if winning a world cup that's what defines greatness

[@click8708]

Agreed, its basically just the crowning achievement of his career.

[@notboutit888]

ONG EVEN MENDY GETS GOAT SHOUTS GIROUD VARANE ? LMAOOOO EVEN DEMBELE IS BUTTCHEEKS N CAN GET GOAT SHOUTS 😂

[@davidg.3617]

Yeah let’s downplay what it means to win a World Cup for any professional footballer in case he doesn’t win.😅

[@madtitan-bringerofgenocide]

@@davidg.3617 By that logic, girioud is better than Ronaldo, bcoz he won the World Cup ??

[@click8708]

@@madtitan-bringerofgenocide Ikr, Mbappe already better than Ronaldo, and on Sunday might be better than both Messi and Ronaldo at just 23 💀

[@juliojimenez9794]

For the old generation, Maradona will always be the best, as Pablo said, but for the kids, teenagers and young adults, Messi is already the best. The rality is that Messi is already at the same level as Maradona now.

[@elmagnifico1]

Maradona was the best of his generation and the old people won’t agree for Messi but all what Messi has achieved, and the manner in which he’s done it, if he wins this singular World Cup it cements his spot as the greatest OF ALL TIME regardless of what they think. To do it in an age where there’s been alot of time to study football, with advancements in technology and physical therapy, smarter, stronger faster defenders, yes they were allowed to kick maradona but Messi has also got kicked alot throughout his career especially at the beginning. He simply has to be the indisputable GOAT if he wins the World Cup. Even now without it it’s arguable. But winning it will end the debate also because they did he couldn’t win an international trophy and World Cup with Argentina. To come back from retirement and prove everybody wrong. That is greatness.

[@ducatarina8310]

Pelé Is The Best, Maradona was the best for 5 years, Pelé was the best Of a Whole Century for 11 years

[@Leovish]

Messi longevity and humbleness makes him Great

[@hwanohchung]

Messi already passed Maradona regardless of this WC result.

[@hubertagamasu6283]

Simple as that!

[@tnt_pkk1311]

Preach

[@gumdeo]

Not in my opinion.

[@markvasil3307]

Not in even close

[@thetruth-gy2lc]

Common knowledge. Ppl are too dumb not to separate individual brilliance vs a team accomplishment.

[@cryptodeity]

Argentina are like Saiyans! Getting stronger with each game! Holy $ht!!! And Argentinian (and MANY Latin American) fans are giving Messi the energy he needs like it was a spirit bomb! Lmao!! Viva Argentina!!! 🏆🏆🏆🇦🇷

[@speedking7224]

He has my blessing

[@Rodney231]

19 goal contribution in 25 appearances is very impressive

[@majormononoke8958]

Sadly the 2010 world cup was a disaster ... Who came with the stupid idea of Maradona to be the head coach ? Iam sure he would be a good motivator near the team. But coach...

[@AS-nx9fu]

@@majormononoke8958 maradona wasted prime Messi's goalscoring abilities

[@patitoduck123]

@@majormononoke8958 I remember that WC so well (I was 18 at the time). Maradona wasted using the inter Milan core that had just won the CL. Left out cambiasso, zanetti, and kept Milito on the bench. Higuain was in good form, but Diego milito was on fire man. Not only that but he also left out Riquelme and took Veron instead (who he had problems with later). That squad and 2006 had so much potential

[@noice8674]

@@majormononoke8958 Ikr? He must have been high on crack back then as well Lmao.

[@vb2388]

@@patitoduck123 2006 squad was full talent: Maxi, Cambiasso, Crespo, Tevez, Messi, Riquelme, Aimar, Sorin etc

[@sagarmhase187]

I really liked when Kay said ‘No need for that’ at 6:32

[@Ash20018]

my father who is a maradona fan and watched him lift the worldcup as a kid for him Maradona is the greatest he watches messi he is supporting Messi and Co and he was the only person to say they will reach the WC final depsite of losing to KSA. my dad says messi is just like Maradona but he always leans towards Maradona because of the Nostalgia. for me Messi is the greatest its all about era in my dad's era maradona was the GOAT in my era its Messi. lets hope Messi wins the Worldcup

[@aryafirmansyah5223]

I live in messi's era,he made me love football so much,.this is modern football,there are alot of great football players around the world,but no ones makes me jaw drop like messi😁,if he win this WC,he must be no doubting again that he's the G.O.A.T..but i still respects to the retired legends tho..

[@imotionzz_14]

Ale had no chill😂😂

[@aniruddha4023]

😂😂😂 Yeah he took the soft one and crushed his core out...

[@tonib7002]

Kinda stupid to base an individuals status on a team sport result. Maradona didn't score in the final, are you saying if his team mates didn't score the 3 goals, he automatically would not have been a GOAT in your eyes? smh

[@aliboombaye312]

Great point not just stupid but emphatically irrational and devoid of logic

[@saviobenitez4710]

It is the moments that decide greatness. Maradona's performance against England and Belgium that year was probably the greatest individual performances by a footballer ever. It is hard to top that.

[@mtk3755]

Exactly that's why I say if Messi scores in the final and wins the wc. Hed be undoubtedly the best because he did it in the final as well at this age.

[@sergeanttentacles1359]

Maradona got the game winning assist in that WC

[@Manu2k]

he's the only player that keeps me coming back to football ... always such a simple and genius gameplay from him we can all respect and admire Ronaldo for winning all he could win and his insane work ethic but is something about Messi that seems unique and flawless at times

[@mtk3755]

True he's a simple genius and people don't appreciate that enough. They see his ability but it's the smartness and game awareness which is the most insane part of his gameplay.

[@xsanther3155]

Ale woke up this day and choose violence. And, he went straight for the jugular

[@guap-papi]

😂 thats what happens when you work next to craig too much

[@Iron-Bridge]

Lol. He's Venezuelan. He's got nothing to lose 🤣

[@coderdbd]

That's just envy.

[@madaxwayne]

That zabaleta roast was unnecessary 😂😭

[@MaDFroG88]

😂😂

[@oeckstei]

Maradona was appreciated for his lifestyle and off field drama. Messi lives a very private life by comparison. I think their personalities play a big difference.

[@thabomashale6728]

who appreciates someone doing drugs?

[@labibchy1423]

@@thabomashale6728 hoes

[@arul7467]

@@thabomashale6728 maradona fans

[@manuelbassotto6328]

Not really, context is everything. by the wc in 1986 our country has begun to rebuild itself from one of the darkest period in our hstory, leaving behind a dictartorship with a lot of "missing" people, the war against England, etc. I know its not fait or logical but that game means a lot for so many people. I do think messi is the best and the way his history says "keep going not matter how many times you fail is just awsome"

[@farotv4232]

As a Real Madrid fan for 24 years, the debate has been settled. Leo Messi is the GOAT. What he has done In Qatar is beyond superhuman. And ever since 2006, this guy has been beyond anything witnessed with the ball.

[@TheChampkind]

This man gets its

[@Iron-Bridge]

Yeah. I can still remember the frustration of Argentina not bringing on teenage Messi in that knockout penalty loss to Germany in 2006. It's been a long journey.

[@ducatarina8310]

Pelé Is The GOAT, you is just a Delusional jidy

[@yammmm9112]

In Argentina they are both loved equally, maybe not for every single Argentinian but if Messi wins the WC. All Argentinians will hold them to the same pedestal!

[@Dabiib]

Messi is the greatest player of all the time win or loss I don’t know why you love to compare Messi and Maradona

[@sujitgurung388]

Maradonq would’ve said messi is beyond universe to everyone else

[@Dabiib]

@@sujitgurung388 exactly

[@mtk3755]

@@sujitgurung388 ya I feel if Messi wins it. Even maradona would have loved it and Messi would hv inspired him doing these feats at this age.

[@shannonharris5173]

Longevity is a skill. As much as you have to maintain your skills, you have to maintain your body, your motivation, your discipline, and adapt.

[@noice8674]

His longevity is so much that he was compared with Ronaldinho in 2007, Then the greatest rivalry with Ronaldo in 2010s and even now he is being compared with next generation stars like Mbappe. 3 generation of players and still he is still going strong. Insane indeed.

[@mtk3755]

@@noice8674 fr man people don't appreciate it enough. I'm telling you when he retires and new gen is not this consistent Messi ronaldo would be treated even more as gods.

[@chadultrapromax1735]

Irrespective of the result of the game Messi is the greatest football player to play on the football pitch. He has cemented his legacy by being 35 and carrying his national side twice to world Cup finals. Finals are one off games with close margin but to do that again and again to reach final is hardest. For club stats we don't even need a discussion here. There is only 1 🐐

[@dcp1116]

It makes no difference he is the G.O.A.T but there can be 2 as Argentines to have 2 players who have given it all is enough to be happy.

[@JoshuaOtusanya]

Messi already passed Maradona.

[@Abdullah-vg1uc]

Lol the ending was hilarious. Did Ale forget that Pablo Zabaleta was listening

[@hao2000ki]

No he purposely roasted him there but I thought it was a bit mean ngl lol

[@briansanchez6699]

It was clearly a joke. Perhaps it was a Latin American vs Anglo cultural difference bc I don’t think either of them took it seriously and I personally see it as normal. Personally I would think that most men through the world would not that that joke seriously

[@sinclairmasher1748]

Pablo saw the humorous intent.

[@manuelmed98]

It came across as Ale feeling criticized because of his perspective and mocking another person because of it, as a way to distract from his logical inconsistencies. It's human, just unfortunate.

[@danasaeed9018]

Vamos Argentina🙏🤲☝💙❤🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@jeremyvanbriesies1940]

People dont seems to get it... Maradonna represent national victory for the Argentina nation ... They were at war with England because of the Falkland islands ( which Argentina lost ) When they win against England in 86 and eventually took the world cup with Diego at the forefront , it was a sentimental victory for the whole of Argentina ... Maradonna will forever be a god in their eyes ..People relate with him on both levels as a " hero " , and a " villan " Messi on the other hand is a quiet , timid , introvert...quite the opposite of Maradonna , BUT in terms of talent he is Maradonna on steriods ..He represent pure outstanding talent , such as the world hasnt seen yet ...Thats the difference

[@toyzunboxed4386]

YOU DESERVED THIS 💯 YOUR GOALS WERE ❤️ ,PENALTIES SLICK SO HAPPY FROM A BRITISH BANGLADESHI 🇧🇩

[@rav7700]

Many including Saka forget football match is a team game. Team wins the cup, Argentina winning world cup is Agrentenian team where Messi belongs winning the cup. On individual level, Messi has already won best player in World cup. Need to get the perspective straighted up! Also no point in comparing different generations. Defense aren't as easy as used to be back in the days, and will continue to be tougher in upcoming years with lot of science and technology helping teams for analysis. The fact that Messi has done it at this magical level for this long, which certainly is the toughest defensive generation, makes him the greatest. Does that mean Pele or Maradona would not have been able to do so? We will never know. All are GOAT, let's all be wise and understand that it's all about Greatest of the Generation and the longevity!

[@m.a.a5637]

All the best for Messi and Argentina team. God bless Messi and Argentina 🙏🏻🇦🇷🏆🐐

[@kal-zor-el5801]

Look I am not old but I have watch few Maradona matches, both of them are very similar in their playstyle, but Messi has few more qualities that Maradona didn't have. Talent, stats and consistency wise Messi is better. But if u are a person who judge a player by world cup trophy than I don't what to say.

[@surajmakwana5634]

Argentina 🇦🇷 Messi for the 🏆, all the best!!

[@davidbarrock3209]

Craig spot on

[@mGovind]

As Jorge Valdano, a Maradona teammate and an Argentina Legend in his own right said.. "Messi is Maradona EVERYDAY! Even Maradona wasn't Maradona everyday."

[@ToneVarela]

Força Messi garra e vais ganhar 🌹🎰🌹🏆ótimo jogo abraço para vocês 🥰🥰🥰

[@Godplayzdice]

Reaching the final itself is hard. 6 times he's done that. That's amazing stat.

[@shivanshuroy6992]

Vamos Argentina🇦🇷

[@MrManie777]

Win or lose nothing will change in fact if he loses the sympathy for him will be unbelievable the talk wont be much on France winning but only be on messi missing n millions will feel for him for sure. God bless him with the trophy

[@Lilmagician]

Ale Moreno is too funny😭😭

[@supereste9518]

Will be one of my happiest days seeing Messi lift that trophy

[@Joshivibes]

5:53 this thing Craig said is scary! Rn I’m switching my prayers to the other 10 players playing with Messi.

[@3pleem]

😅😅😅 Zab face lol priceless Ale wicked!

[@juddin243]

There’s no need to compare Messi and maradona, both different types of players. I love maradona I seen him play 3 WC because of him I am a Argentina fan. I seen Messi play in person but Messi is in different world he is the best thing ever happen in Football history

[@majormononoke8958]

Lol, they are actually pretty similar in function... Both Creators and goal scorers... With Dribble style and tight ball control. Similar height and both with great vision.

[@adamhaaaq6113]

He’s already ahead of maradona come on 😕

[@RFG910]

messi and Ronaldo’s consistency was incredible and for that they are my favorite players

[@soeradjnarain341]

Maradonna didn't score in the 1986 finals. Burruchaga scored the winner unlike Higuain missing for Argentina and denying Messi the WC in 2014

[@MaDFroG88]

Epic final ahead of us on France Argentina 😮

[@drowdreyar7402]

Messi surpassed him looooong time ago.. If you think football is only about world cup.. Your credibility to talk about football is questioned..

[@12angryrealists]

Who said it was only about world cups? Twice winning the best league in the world at the time against the star studded Juve, Milan and Inter teams of the mid to late 80's counts for a lot, especially when you consider the relative quality of who played alongside Messi and Maradona in their respective 11's.

[@rupakc956]

"Messi is messi" 🇦🇷🤞🏆🏅🙌🙏👍

[@MarcelMatani]

zabaleta is right when you look at argentina's defence and goalkeeper in 2014 they actually gave a great game defensively but the midfield was dead they couldnt create enough chances

[@menotjahere9664]

Mercado and Fazio were wack

[@MarcelMatani]

@@menotjahere9664 exactly im saying from their names they actually did good only masherano was world class in that defense the rest were average defenders same for midfield it was average and goalie was average and messi didnt have di maria in that game and aguero came in in extra time

[@jeevansingh4272]

Winning the WC have more effect on making teams great but performing better continuously in one's career makes a player 🐐 which Messi has always done...

[@LiveIsBeautiful]

Totally irrelevant, Messi’s overall performances and variety of skills and impact on his teammates performance and teamwork mentality makes the World Cup meaningless although it would be the icing on the cake. He has nothing left to prove after all he has done. As good as Maradona was, Messi is a more complete player and that’s how you should compare him, not because of one single performance…

[@nohandler1493]

Ale Moreno supporting the south Americans from the begining of the tournament when everyone playing them down. When people criticizes why Brazilians dances after score, he defended them with example and saying it's a part of their culture. When no one giving chances to Argentina, he always predicted positive score and said Argentina is built to win the whole tournament. Kudos to him.

[@nademmabrouk2654]

Yeah when it comes to pure talent and quality they are very similar, the only difference is one did if for a couple of years and one did for 15 plus years straight. So yeah I think I’ll go for messi

[@moosehak]

A couple of years?

[@Will-xx4qs]

cmon. Messi has done more in football than maradona. no debate. its crazy

[@rakanalajmi6169]

He hasn’t won the best trophy in football yet though has he?

[@thabomashale6728]

@@rakanalajmi6169 maradona doesn't have 7 Ballon dors doesn't have 6 golden boots doesn't have 91 goals in a calender year doesn't have 300+assists doesn't have 700+ goals

[@LiveIsBeautiful]

@@rakanalajmi6169 so you only define Messi by one single trophy? You forget that football is a team sport and if his teammates don’t play well, he cannot do it all by himself….How many goals did Maradona score in that finals?? Zero. They won because he had a great supporting cast while with todays Argentina, they are good but not that great and certainly not consistant, and Maradona has been carrying the team EVERY SINGLE game, but still needs them to finish, just like those great assists he made. He didn’t need to score, just me there in every level and he was almost part of EVERY goal, just like he had all his career with Barcelona….

[@vb2388]

@@rakanalajmi6169 Even if Messi loses the World Cup Final, he will still be getting the POTT award and will be the only player in World Cup History to Win 2 POTT awards

[@inzykhan415]

@@vb2388 I think antoine Griezman will have something to say about that 😅

[@zicob2536]

Messi and Maradona are comparable on quality. So quantity is the deciding factor. Messi has been performing at the elite level for 20 years! 20 years!! I rest my case.

[@ousmanjallow7866]

The best players of all time🐐😤!!!

[@YashKirti007]

Alejandro Enrique Moreno Riera (born July 8, 1979) is a Venezuelan former footballer who played as a forward, and who is currently a television commentator for ESPN FC, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Latin America. Moreno won three MLS Cups during his professional career. Moreno was chosen in 2021 to work as a commentator in the 2020 European Championship.

[@patrickgrooves3452]

Wow Ale threw a filthy one at Zabaleta in the end lol...I would've rebuttled with "well I can't delegate that neither you nor Venezuela has ever played in a World Cup game" then dropped the mic and walked away 😂😂

[@anansistirade5800]

Should have told him to put his medals on the table

[@bestt2252]

Indeed. All of his Columbus Crew medals

[@patrickgrooves3452]

@@bestt2252 Lmaoo

[@toshniwalshubham]

It wasn't funny but a distasteful one. There was no need to say that.

[@Iron-Bridge]

I agree 😁🤣

[@RabianOfficial]

6:19 nothing but the truth was said.

[@TheeChronicle]

3rd greatest of all time if he wins or loses in my opinion. I had Brazilian Ronaldo at 3. But if messi wins or loses I think he becomes the third best ever after Pele and Maradona Making 2 world cup finals is a remarkable achievement.

[@gumdeo]

Pele won both his finals (1958, 1970). Maradona won one (1986) and lost one (1990). Messi better not lose both...

[@name980]

Dude you don’t even watch Maradona and Pele. Your rankings are weird. You have Pele 1. Maradona 2. and Ronaldo 3. so you have messi over Ronaldo? That make no sense that you have Ronaldo over messi if you say that Maradona and Pele Are better than Ronaldo.

[@fuzailimran5458]

R9 over Messi😭😭

[@TheeChronicle]

@@name980 I think youre confused lol

[@hbinitials7]

After 2012 no one has come close to Messi's top calendar year goals scored. Apart from Ronaldo and lewa with 69 goals. Let that sink in.

[@antepa112]

Messi passed Maradona long time ago the only people who don't agree are the ones that watch football once every 4 years

[@byroneguizabal2932]

Maradona is one of the greatest players however the comparison between messi and him aren't even fair. Messi by a long shot

[@sergeanttentacles1359]

That Scottish guy is hilarious and they all love him on the show.

[@tonynacion]

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.

[@SirTibzy]

If he is the most loved then why does Ronaldo have more social media followers than him?

[@eddyirategekanya336]

@@SirTibzy most People that do not watch football will follow Ronaldo becoz of his looks

[@noice8674]

@@SirTibzy Women are crazy about him. All that toned abs and shirtless photos which he posts definitely made an impact. Also the other fact is that he speaks English which Messi doesn't.

[@SirTibzy]

@@noice8674 So he is more loved than Messi. 😏

[@justogmula4627]

😂, all jokes aside Messi is the greatest. He needs a world cup to say "here look I got one" but 🤷🏾‍♂️ there isn't a better player than him no way!

[@yppy6950]

Messi consistently great but Maradona was phenomenal in 86. That singular performance will be difficult to surpase

[@yppy6950]

@@JBS1412 nobody is saying Maradona is greater difficult to measure. 86 wc maradona's performance is definitely top 3 off all time

[@HelgeKS]

As far as Argentinan footballers is concerned I'd say: Maradona's peak vs. Messi's longevity. Difficult call.

[@mtk3755]

Longevity anyday. Because that is harder to maintain than prime.

[@sayyamsolanki3696]

So the debate was never about messi and Ronaldo it was always between messi and maradona

[@LuvdaTempo]

He is going to win 🏆

[@Toku91]

Always comparing Messi to someone says enough, dont u think? Messi is hands down the greatest player to ever do so. Not even a debate

[@Abdullah-vg1uc]

Why is Ale blaming pablo zabaleta lol

[@AlricoAmona98]

He's just trolling aha

[@sinclairmasher1748]

Joke.

[@JoFreshFrancis]

Let Maradona rest in peace

[@gabrielguerrero3404]

If terms of player legacy he already passed him but not for international reputation

[@pranav5788]

Messi is already GOAT and has been for a while only someone who doesn't understand football or has a blind bias towards another player won't see that and this WC will not change that win or lose it would just be a cherry on the top nothing else.

[@tidianekebe3392]

Messi 🙏💪💯💯💪💪🤜🤛💪👏

[@Kill--alllll---IDF]

Maradona's performance in 86 was unbeatable

[@sevkettuerk1421]

When messi scores at that final 2 goals and give 1 assist, what would you think?

[@RFG910]

@@sevkettuerk1421 the bias never changes

[@matthewh8921]

yoo y'all did my boy pablo dirty bruhhh lol

[@VV-bh9hd]

It’s insane to think of the brutality in the game during Maradona’s time & he was literally the human pinball just coz of how dangerous he was …. In todays world with him playing on carpet like pitches and soooo much protection…. It would literally be unfair play

[@dannytoots6635]

i.e. it would be like Messi... if a player had 70 direct goal contributions for 15 years they would have fewer G/A than Messi: pretty unfair.

[@manuelmed98]

Different times. Pretty much any play was open play back then. Technique and strategy are on a whole other level today. Including defense strategy.

[@daniaaal]

Please name us 10 quality players Maradona was playing against in the World Cup that he won. Although the rules now have been relaxed to protect players from serious injuries (thereby benefiting forwards), you cannot deny that the quality of top players in this modern era has exponentially increased. I think it's unfair to compare Messi and Maradona's time in that sense: each have the pros and cons for either of them to succeed. We cannot disrespect Maradona for what he has achieved in the midst of brutal conditions, but sporting and technical wise, Messi is up against some of the most fittest and most technically adapt players in the world.

[@VV-bh9hd]

@@daniaaal ok so I can see you are a spring chicken who is young ….. so let me educate you & here is the list : as a disclaimer each a legend of their country and I can not list all their achievements it will be too long you are free to do that : Germany : Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Lothar Mathias, Rudi Voller - All euro champs & 2 time World cup finalist & champions…. Italy : Paolo Rossi, Tardelli, Bruno Conti , Cabrini…. All World Cup champions 1982….. England : Peter Shilton, Gary Linekar, Bryan Robson(Beckham hero)Glen Hoddle, John Barnes, Peter Beardsley …. ALL Premier League LEGENDs … maybe you should ask a few of your English buddies to understand who these guys are….. Uruguay : Enzo Francescoli (Zidanes own Hero)….Belgium : Jean Marie Pfaff ( one of the few Goalies to be nominated for Balon Dor 3 times) Enzo scifo , Eric Gerets. All pioneers of Belgian football, (maybe you should ask de Bruyne who they are 😂)…. What a joke of a generation, you’ll don’t want to know anything about history bcoz you’ll are the video game click…man the world is now upside down. Get your facts straight my friend & understand that Messi is only amongst the best of his generation. Even that is debatable with CR7 & Mbappe coming up now …. Stop believing the kak

[@speedking7224]

@@daniaaal that England side which maradona single handedly dismantled was very top quality.

[@Thechris4477]

Ale woke up and chose violence 😂😂😂😂

[@historianofmanythings4294]

If Upamecano starts, Argentina have a good chance of winning. He’s a mess.

[@kghd2647]

That dig at Zabaleta was hilarious Messi is already the GOAT by almost every metric, the only thing this world cup can do is convince the BIASED people who think otherwise perhaps

[@daleviker5884]

True, but the people who argue it are mainly jealous Ronaldo fans, and Messi could win 5 World Cups and they'd still just say something really intelligent like Ronaldo won in Italy, Messi didn't. That's the cult mentality you are dealing with. Football attracts a lot of people who have nothing going on in their life, and admitting that their favorite isn't as good as they thought is like cutting their arm off. If Argentina win, these threads will still be full of Ronaldo fans saying that Argentina were lucky, or Messi did nothing or whatever.

[@hishamzaman3814]

Idk why it matters if messi wins the world cup. Individually messi has way better stats, better individual record and has been way more consistent than maradona. He is better whether he wins it or not imo.

[@vikygamer9042]

My brain says France will win it but my heart want Argentina to win❤️❤️

[@stevemorris6855]

Being English I'm naturally no big supporter of either final team, but if anyone deserves the legacy of lifting the world Cup it's Messi. So just for ninety minutes or so I'm going to be an Argentina supporter.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@estebanarayaguzman4012]

Even without winning the world cup to me Messi is the GREATEST. But the World Cup will end the discussion, he will be the best ever, period.

[@Noirlore]

You’d think the old heads would make any sensible statement

[@abotiago7033]

Ale was lying about watching Maradona with his father. Until, 1989 Italian league was only broadcasted inside Italy and by that time the best years of Maradona has gone already

[@bendemilde7711]

You can't compare Maradona with Messi they live in different times for example data nutrition more matches in the past if you wanted to win the CL you had to become champion in your country because that was almost impossible Maradona has in this day and age with his class achieve more in less time and matches

[@manuelmed98]

Trophies won are irrelevant. It's a team sport. Messi is either better or not. And he is.

[@rashawngd6370]

I guess he is now

[@ftballfrkk1098]

People arguing about longevity - how much more difficult was it to have a long career back in the 80s when players could quite literally two-foot tackle you from behind and not be carded, not to mention the sports science these days in terms of recovery. Also let's not forget the cow paddocks that were called football pitches back then and how much harder it was to keep the ball at your feet. As much as I love Messi and what he's done, let's not also forget that he's played in (arguably) the greatest club side ever, with a system of play designed to give him freedom across the pitch. Maradona was the best player for Argentina in 82, 86 and 90 world cup. What he did in 86 alone in my opinion puts him above Messi. Messi has been a shadow of his Barcelona self in the national team, with Di Maria and Mascherano doing most of the heavy lifting in the last 2 world cups.

[@majormononoke8958]

lol, the last 2 world cup were pretty good for messi. What exactly did Mascherano do in 2018?

[@ftballfrkk1098]

​@@majormononoke8958 Literally captained the team to the final, if it wasn't for him there would be no final for Argentina

[@RFG910]

Maradona said himself he was a drug addict nobody ended his career other than himself. Messi on the other hand had rivals for ballon d’or being consistent for the majority of his career is why for me he is the best with Ronaldo

[@samieshaghi4415]

Ouch😂

[@Meroknight]

Comparisons aside, I don't believe the GOAT status should be determined by who wins the world cup and who doesn't. You can't control where you are born, or what country you grow up in. So if a GOAT player that wins it all at the club level is born in an African or Asian country, and his teammates of his country suck, and therefore that country doesn't go far in the World Cup (or even qualifies for it), then he ain't the GOAT? I think that is a narrow way of looking at things. I think what players do at the Club level should be given a higher consideration than anything else. If you are a GOAT and you show it, a prestigious club will eventually recruit you.

[@daleviker5884]

Yep, that's pretty much common sense, but people who are fans of other players just look for anything they can use to be critical. Clearly, a player born in Northern Ireland (Best) or Norway (Haaland) or Sweden (Zlatan) is never going to win a world cup, so it is a ridiculous way of judging individuals. If Messi doesn't win, then it means Giroud will have two world cups and be better than Maradona according to this stupid logic.

[@lilbahadurchetri4361]

Messi is on his own par best always low profile not targeted roughly by defenders as Maradona was. Maradona played less and achieved more whereas Messi is playing more world cups getting more chances to achieve greatness, but remember had Maradona so long he would have broken many records.

[@AztkSmooth]

Maradona played when defensive players weren’t as cracked as they are now. Messi in maradonas time would have broken even more records.

[@12angryrealists]

Seriously, how old are you? At least do a bit of research before sprouting falsehoods. Up until the early 90's defenders had a lot more leeway and playmakers weren't the protected species they are now.

[@name980]

Obviously because messi have the knowledge and training form the new time.

[@esaiasnathan888]

It's a DBZ arc coming to life. A race of saiyans getting stronger with training