Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona? 👀 | ESPN FC Extra Time

On today's edition of ESPN FC, Dan Thomas is joined by Ale Moreno, Craig Burley and Frank Leboeuf following Argentina defeating France to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup to discuss:
0:00 Where is Shaka!?
1:08 Denmark & Canada
3:03 Was Stevie walking the dog?
4:00 What's next for Lionel Messi?
5:41 Did France sub too early?
6:50 Emiliano Martínez
8:33 Maradona or Messi?
12:47 Will Zinedine Zidane be the next French manager?
13:59 Best World Cup you've ever watched?
✔ Subscribe to ESPN+: espnplus.com/soccer/youtube
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC

[@ricardobjj24]

The argument is over. The GOAT has a name and his name is Lionel Messi

[@randyamaya8233]

You werent even alive during maradona's time kid

[@JoshuaOtusanya]

Facts

[@TellyGianoulis]

Maradonna has a World Cup as well what’s your point

[@Jay-bs4qw]

@@TellyGianoulis does he have a copa America?

[@DonkeyLipsDA3rd]

@@TellyGianoulis Maradona clearly cheated

[@Cosmoman78]

I have the highest respect for Maradona, and I don't mean to undermine his achievements. But it's super obvious that Messi has already surpassed every records Maradona has ever achieved in his career. Messi is the new GOAT of Argentina, and the World. And I am sure Maradona would also approve and proud of Messi had he still alive today.

[@hamiddjebelli6088]

Maradona is my favorite but Messi’s career accomplishments make him the goat. The only argument one can have is whether Messi or maradona was the better player at their peak. Maradona just doesn’t have the longevity to come close to messi. Some due to his own issues some due to the punishment he endured on the pitch. But this debate should be closed as to the goat

[@trizamuhammadirfan9071]

If Messi back to back win Copa America 2024 and (I hope) WC 2026 surely he will pass Maradona

[@forzasiraj9998]

@@trizamuhammadirfan9071 nonsense !

[@anether]

@@trizamuhammadirfan9071 Yes, because he obviously needs 2 WCs and 2 Copa Americas to surpass someone who had 1 WC and 0 Copa Americas, and far less longevity than Messi had.

[@Syrrhas]

Nope

[@NimitShah29]

This was probably the last time we have seen Messi at the biggest stage, but Lionel Messi can be mighty proud of his career. 💔💔💔

[@historianofmanythings4294]

He still has cl bruh

[@dahbay5801]

What do you mean "no world cup"?

[@vortexathletic]

I’m hoping he’ll still be there for Copa America 2024

[@professionalbandit3118]

U have to reconsider the second part

[@DLo776]

HUH? he just won the world cup AND player of the tournament

[@flickchic238]

Thanks, ESPN FC, for talking about football 7 days a week! Back to our regularly scheduled domestic football. The WC Qatar 2022 has been the best and worst of times. My team, Brazil, did not make it as far as I'd hoped but it truly has been a great World Cup. Congratulations to Messi for achieving everything possible for a South American to achieve in football. Thank you to ESPN FC for bringing non-stop comedy, drama and analysis. Thank you to the football fans around the world who cheer not just for the best players but for the underdogs. I am sorry your teams did not make it as far as you'd have hoped. You can count on all of the matches to go down in history. Long live football!

[@88laserbeam]

Next world cup in North america is gonna be a riot 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇲🇽 espnfc, espn deportes oh man! I hope the whole espnfc cast will be here! 🤣

[@speedking7224]

Give this comment the ballon d'or

[@lukelocks9083]

Well said my footballing Brazilian brother.

[@jzlnz]

You got the best team and player but as always it's luck and attitude fail Brazil. You always be 1st team for nation who don't qualify and 2nd for team team in world cup. That's how good Brazil are perceive

[@SabbirAhmed-pu9ln]

Messi all time best in observable universe ...

[@SeriousBartYT]

Messi is Maradona everyday of the week, something which even Maradona wasn't able to sustain. He is simply the best, with this World Cup the crown jewel in his cap. 👑

[@erickarias3309]

The best Maradona is 10x better than the best Messi.

[@rajinahmed1141]

@@erickarias3309 not at all!

[@erickarias3309]

@@rajinahmed1141 actually is true, Maradona's performance at 1986 world cup is still unbeatable.

[@grizzii2149]

@@erickarias3309 stop dude, u are embarrassing yourself in trying to be different and cool.

[@erickarias3309]

@@grizzii2149 no, the problem here is that aou are Messi Fanboys who started watching football 10 years ago, is not about trying to look cool, I mean is exactly the same with Ronaldo Fanboys.

[@rizalz16]

Maradona is my childhood hero, but messi is obviously surpasses him. His numbers, his consistency, and the challenge to still be on top for 15 years in his game, no argument to say the otherwise. If anyone of you think anyone else, you're just in denial stage of grief. Let it sink in for a while to accept the truth.

[@sahajshetty1844]

And we are so conveniently ignoring the fact that the two players played at a time where football had very different pitches, rules with respect to tackling. There is nothing about being in denial here, instead a desperate attempt on your part to make a comparison which is skewed. Messi is the most gifted player of our generation, Maradona and Pele were of their generations, and no you don't need to agree with me here and you are not in denial if you don't. TC.

[@Cosmoman78]

@@sahajshetty1844 Still doesn't change the fact that Messi has already surpassed Maradona. I don't mean to disrespect Maradona, but if you think that Messi's achievemens are still below Maradona, you inhaled too much copium bro.

[@sahajshetty1844]

@@Cosmoman78 it's opium and thanks for justifying further, what I have mentioned above.

[@basquat76]

@@sahajshetty1844 Exactly. If Messi had played back in the 70's and 80's he wouldn't have been allowed to play like has. Running with the ball as he does he would have been destroyed completely. That was the beauty of Maradona. He was the ultimate prey and they just couldn't stop him.

[@erriksetiawan9076]

@@basquat76 destroyed by what ? 70 - 80 - 90's football were the best environtment for more skilled footballer. Today football with far more better pressure, space utilization etc actually giving an edge for hardworking player than a player solely based on skills.

[@kyzersoze8408]

Messi was on Diego maradonas prime level for 12+ years. Something that even maradona failed to do.

[@netanelohimwarren3629]

No messi was never on Maradona's prime level or r9 for that matter. It's his consistency that's un heard of. We've seen greater talents

[@callumbrown2003]

@@netanelohimwarren3629 Messi 2010-19 was higher than any player let alone his 2012 year which will never be topped by anyone ever I’d imagine

[@febs8999]

@@netanelohimwarren3629 R9 has never even won a champions league….Consistency and peak performance at every level is something only messi has

[@netanelohimwarren3629]

@@febs8999 so you didn't read comment obviously.....

[@moz7777]

Nonsense. The level Maradona played at from 1985-87 has never been matched, not even close.

[@fllx7957]

I think it was pretty interesting how u could see the influence of different leagues in today's game. Deschamps knew he needed to press in order to turn around the game so he brought in 3 Bundesliga players in Muani, Thuram and Coman who all changed the game. High intensity pressing and stamina is injected into players veins in Germany

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

The influence of Qatar and referees was more interesting.

[@millionaire2714]

@@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo cry

[@rubenocasio9188]

No one who's thinkin about Hitler's country

[@baldwin3750]

What the heck is wrong with these replies? Op comment has a point.

[@asfanmohammedrizwan]

Fllx I told the exact same thing while watching the match Especially when coman was pressing so hard. That he plays for bayern that's why he is pressing like that

[@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts]

Was never a Diego fan. Mostly cuz he was a Boca player. And my family is River. But, I thought of him as the greatest. Messi was the most talented. Messi needed the WC. Now he's both the greatest and most talented player of all time.

[@Jeff_2x]

🏆 10x La Liga 🏆 7x Copa del Rey 🏆 4x Champions League 🏆 7x Spanish Super Cup 🏆 3x UEFA Super Cup 🏆 3x Club World Cup 🏆 21/22 Ligue 1 🏆 2021 Copa America 🏆 7x Ballon D’or 🏆 2022 World Cup With all due respect to Maradona, I don’t remember him even doing ANYTHING near this. (These are just some of his notable accolades if you add his statistics this isn’t even a debate)

[@historianofmanythings4294]

Football was different back then. The playing field was more level so 2 teams couldn’t dominate. Balon d or wasn’t even given to non-euro players

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

@@historianofmanythings4294 Thank you. Gone are the days where you will ever see a Dortmund, Nottingham Forest, Ajax etc... ever win a Champions League again.

[@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts]

To be fair, Maradona did his bit on a whole lot of drugs and drink in his system. Lol. Messi over Diego all day.

[@BigBoss7777777]

Messi played for an expensive Barcelona squad for most of his career, which counts for vast majority of those accolades. He choked for PSG last season in the Champions League. And did nothing with Argentina in his prime. He had to wait for the team to get better to win anything. He can’t drag an average team to the World Cup like Maradona.

[@lorenzolion6109]

@@BigBoss7777777 your an idiot messi had to drag Argentina to 8 finals

[@wolverine8635]

Probably we will never see a player like Messi again.Sad to realize that his career is close to ending

[@DC_08]

😊 I love that Messi is godfather to Maradona’s grandson. (Maradona’s daughter was formerly married to Sergio Aguero, Messi’s best friend.)

[@Gcalt]

Bit of pressure on that kid to be good at football.

[@dimitrielijah9462]

Messi looked at the end he was winning the WC more as a duty fulfilled for Argentina and Maradonna than for himself...Ballon D'Or loading..again...

[@DC_08]

@@Gcalt Definitely!

[@tHErHETORICrEPORT7]

Grandfather is Maradona, Father is Aguero, Uncle is Higuian and Godfather is Messi. That kid shouldn't play football.

[@BrixtonDesign]

@@tHErHETORICrEPORT7 Grandfather is Maradona, Father is Aguero and thats it! already messi clearified he is not his godfather and iguain has nothing to do with the kid family.

[@coolkidsbros3041]

Rest In Peace Maradona the legend

[@gtona3539]

To be ranked among the greatest, you must be consistent with what you do. Messi has been excellent and consistent with that, all the way till 35yrs, and now winning the world cup. Common everyone, Messi is the Greatest of the GREATESTS.

[@lukelocks9083]

That final was one helluva emotional roller coaster ride! Was 100% for Argentina/Messi, so when it went to penalties i thought don't tell me I've been through all that & Argentina don't win. When they won, it was only then I could begin to reflect on just how great that final was.

[@christosnikitakis6675]

I had 2 cardiac arrests during overtime, but was revived when Montiel made the last PK to put the final nails in France's coffin.

[@salakayyan9886]

1- Diego . 2- Messi . 3- Ronaldo Nazario . 4- Ronaldinho . 5- Zinedine Zidane . 6- Pele . 7- Cristiano Ronaldo . 8- Johan Cruyff . 9- Roberto Baggio . 10- Juan Roman Riquelme .

[@flgoak9703]

Both legends of the game at different times no one is better than the other football wins.

[@yaman3566]

Messi could've easily broken Klose's record by now had he focused more in WC2010; albeit it'll be broken for sure by Mbappé sooner or later.

[@gilbertzetina6769]

Klose was lights out and none of his goals were penalties.

[@hatim3453]

Maradona won't see heaven for deploying Messi so higher up the pitch

[@shinnister]

@@gilbertzetina6769 yeah , sadly young ones probably wont realise this. they only see numbers

[@qwertyzxccvk]

@@gilbertzetina6769 I love how no one talks about the GOAT debate between Messi and Ronaldo finally over. Messi has more goals in WC finals than Ronaldo has in knockouts😂🤣

[@us5157]

@@qwertyzxccvk ronaldo fans are migrating to a cave now thats why

[@mosamuel7708]

If we're talking about peak World Cup performance Maradona 86 was obviously ahead of any of Messi's WC performances but as an Argentine player doning the La Albiceleste kit Messi is ahead now. Why? He had immense pressure to live up to Diego's legacy despite not being loved by the nation (given that he moved to Spain young) let alone like Maradona did (he played there for 5 years before going to Europe). Then there was Messidependencia between 2014-2018. Remember, no Messi meant no knockout stage in 2014, 2016 Copa and no 2018 WC for Argentina. Suffered 3 consecutive final losses, 2018 and 19 eliminations by France and Brazil but he didn't give up until his first title last year. Highly instrumental for both that and the 2022 WC despite being in his mid-30s. Kudos to Diego for his GOATed achievements but he didn't go through all of what Messi did. As for THE "GOAT"? Well, Messi's pretty much Maradona with Gerd Muller's goalscoring that's put him in the top 3 best players in the world since 2007 at just 19, reaching GOAT status in 2009 at only 21. Beat that.

[@erickarias3309]

Maradona is better.

[@AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

Yep. Great breakdown. Messi is the GOAT.

[@gourmondal5812]

maradona was the greastest ever at his peak at 1986 but messi had a way better career

[@mosamuel7708]

@@erickarias3309 Nope

[@Rohityadav_17]

@@gourmondal5812 and how old are you?50? 60?? 70??

[@muhammadhameed4550]

It isn’t even a debate between Messi and Maradona anymore. Maybe the only one who could be in the conversation would be Pele, and tbh I can’t speak much about that. Other than that, NO ONE ELSE COMES CLOSE, NOT IN THE DISTANCE OF A MILE

[@subswithoutvids-dw6dv]

Not a big football fan. But the wc final was just perfect. It’s so dramatic. I almost thought Argentina was going to lose. Perfect game. Perfect result for Messi.

[@AhmedLFC.]

Gg for calling it football

[@frankieleung718]

Never a fan of Argentina but was rooting for Messi yesterday 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 deserved to be remembered as the GOAT!

[@fw_youtube]

Only Argentina is blessed to have both the GOD and the GOAT of football❗️ Maradona & Messi‼️ RESPECT from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@funyboyz16]

Messi is both the god and goat

[@zeo4481]

For me it's no question Messi is the best.

[@Mattiphob]

Messi is no. 1 for me.. all the way. My heart was broken in 2014.. but I am happy that he and the Argentina team won 2022 World cup !!!

[@christosnikitakis6675]

He did it bro! 😊😊 🇦🇷👍🐐⭐ We've waited 8 yrs, but he did it!!! I'm still celebrating, even a month later. We have bragging rights for the next 4 yrs!!!

[@McMarty93]

Coming from a Ronaldo fan, every head must bow, every tongue must confess Messi is the goat 🐐

[@christosnikitakis6675]

It's rare to find real football fans like you. We all must look at things objectively and not with bias. Both must be appreciated. But some fans are like talking to a wall. Both Messi and CR fans. I like Messi, but I also like CR. They are the two best. Ever...

[@codetaku]

It's so heartwarming when ronaldo fans can look at things objectively! The loudest ones also tend to be the most wrong, you're free to like any player you want but unfortunately too many people who prefer ronaldo's play also think he's the goat, for totally unknown reason

[@mullen25]

great extra time, loved it!

[@Your-wife-sexual-partner]

I grow up watching Diego Maradona I’m 45 years old I’m probably little biased towards Maradona, because he was my childhood hero. I would say 50s 60s belong to Pele 70s belongs to Johan Cruyff 80s goes to Maradona 90s early 2000s original Ronaldo and Zidane And 2010s to Messi

[@Your-wife-sexual-partner]

My personal top 1 Messi 2 Maradona 3 Pele 4 Johan Cruyff 5 Original Ronaldo, Portuguese, Ronaldo, and Zidane

[@BigBoss7777777]

Lol 2010’s Ronaldo won 4 Champions Leagues and countless ballon dors and you leave him out.

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

@@BigBoss7777777 And they will never admit it but the Euro is harder to win than the World Cup.

[@TRE45ON.is.Bat5hit.Crazy.U.S.G]

@@Your-wife-sexual-partner Messi, Pele, Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini, Ronaldo Luís Nazario and Franz Beckenbauer.

[@joeldube7353]

@@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo ur a muppet lol

[@nike2520]

Diego was the greatest skilled football player ever. Period, he was not human at his peak! On greatest states combined with great skills during a longer period, Messi.

[@dieAlbaKids]

How tho? Messi is everything maradona was and even more. So how was he more gifted?

[@StatueCollecting]

Argentina has won a World Cup after so many years of suffering and the shadow of Maradona has passed over Messi and he can now say he was won everything he wanted to win and will go down has the goat. Both players were legendary in their own right at complete different times in futbol history. VAMOS ARGENTINA SOMOS CAMPEONES DEL MUNDO.

[@andrewsadikin5226]

Thé Denmark & Canada question to frank, cracks me up.

[@abeljean1639]

End of discussion! First name: EVER Last name: GREATEST 🐐🐐🐐

[@blazeblack6080]

It's the other way round mate.

[@imammamunu9537]

The ESPN panel is just next level. I never get the same experience when I listened to panelists from other football channel. The chemistry between them is excellent coupled with light comedy.

[@kachdragonfly]

YES, next level BELOW. Ale, Shaka excepted - the rest of the studio cast are easily forgettable. I fast forward...

[@imammamunu9537]

@@kachdragonfly i disagree, stevie, craig, jules, frank, Gab and Don himself are all next level

[@srihurry]

Craig has been good for this match tho, Steve is always hit or miss

[@wwilliaml619]

Love Messi and Love Maradona. Was able to see Maradona at the height of his powers. Maradona was physically kicked out of tournaments. The laws of the game were much different. Back in those days you had to mug a guy to get a yellow card. In today’s era you even look at a player wrong and it’s a yellow. They can’t be compared… they’re both amazing

[@tanswanfooken2505]

I feel very happy for Argentina and Messi ❤️😭

[@shutup2751]

as years go by there won't be just 1 great player, due to the style of play of each era, both maradona and messi are goats of the sport

[@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464]

Only one goat bro by definition😊

[@escamunicha4276]

messi more accomplished now. They are not equal anymore

[@barcahebo.3637]

Messi 🤙🏾

[@shutup2751]

@@escamunicha4276 could messi go to a mid-table team and win multiple league titles like maradona did at napoli ?

[@infobaru3108]

@@shutup2751 why should him go mid tabble team? Where he already achieve evrything prestigious in highest competition. And did Maradona do the same as messi do in their peak?how many times messi won ucl win barca?league tittle? And help barca either glory or struggling, does it still sounds fair to you to execuse messi coz he never play in mid tabble team? And dont you count his individual achievements? Why this all should be based on "what if"? Just see what he already achieved. For me its clear, messi is in another level.

[@richardloach610]

They made a good point here about Maradona having played in a different era, where he was physically threatened and looking to be chopped down by every player he went up against. Nowadays players are much more protected by the rules and referees, can't even imagine how much more Maradona would have been able to do in that environment. This being said, the athleticism and fitness of players is better than it was in the 70s/80s, but I'm sure Maradona would have been able to raise that part of his game given the right coaching and nutrition.

[@de7518]

we will never know that and I doubt it

[@whiteknight8734]

The vice versa is also applicable. Maradona used dope while actively playing football and in today's time he would have been banned even before he could play in world cups

[@wonjubhoy]

Maradona could be a thug when he wanted to as well as his shocking foul on Brazil's Batista in 1982 showed.

[@user-hp8hg2ix1b]

Yeah, also back then no one pressed, the game was significantly slower, there was a tone of free space and time and the majority of defensive players were anywhere from mediocre to bad on the ball. The 1986 semifinal is on youtube, go watch it. It is like watching a good amateur game for today's standards.

[@tyronelorenzovalentio3414]

@@user-hp8hg2ix1b watching games on tv ain’t the same boy

[@macmini2307]

Including the Copa America he’s won and the WC he’s the GOAT, Mbappe will be in that top 5 conversation

[@PaddyMcMe]

Mbappe? Top 5? Mbappe isn't even on Henry's level yet.

[@partapbejai548]

As a die hard Messi fan, my respect for mbappe has increased, even though griezmann was the best player for France in the previous matches, mbappe was the best player for France in the final, i hate to say it, but in terms of numbers if he keeps this consistency up, he could surpass Ronaldo in goals and Messi in assists, but in terms of skillset and FOOTBALL IQ, Messi, r9, Zidane and maradona are on another level with that

[@southerner6852]

I agree kinda of scary to think where he could go. Today was incredible watching the two of them.

[@Jay-bs4qw]

Without CR7, Messi would have 11 ballon dors, more league titles and champions leagues. The same will happen to Mbappe with Haaland in that, they’re going to push each other, and take away from each other too. Can’t wait for that next chapter to be in full swing when they’re both in Spain

[@lorenzolion6109]

@@southerner6852 I think I can speak for everyone that we have seen players like mbappe before fast and score but once that speed is gone he’s no use but I can be wrong henry was the same way

[@amooolusina6978]

Put Haaland in this French team first.

[@UnitedFerrariLakers]

@@Jay-bs4qw except that it is hard for haaland to get a World Cup champion. He can be a monster in the champion league though.

[@anthonymoses8830]

Longevity can only be repeated by the elite, so Messi is absolutely the GOAT.

[@positivelycurvedpikachu]

Being argentine, and having watched football since I can remember and every day of my life, Messi is the best player here on earth but Maradona is the best player from every dimension and multiverse.

[@rosaparkstookmyseat4709]

Lionel Messi has been consistently delivering for 15 years at the highest level something that Maradona wasn't able to do and same with Pele who didn't compete in Europe (only at the international level)

[@troylopez5211]

Pele. He literally had Messi's ball control, Mbappe's speed AND a 48 inch vertical leap...the same as one Michael Jeffrey Jordan.

[@christosnikitakis6675]

Dude. The taller you are, the harder it is to have a high vertical. For example, LeBron's vertical is 43". Why? Because he's much taller than Jordan. You can't go by that criteria.

[@franco_21x24]

Interesting how the most memorable World Cups they mentioned were 1978 and 1986 along with this one. All 3 were won by Argentina. It just goes to show how infectious the the passion of Argentina's fans and players is on the biggest stage of football

[@sirgg3847]

still cant match brazil

[@Jdub3amigo]

@@sirgg3847 Croatia can

[@majormononoke8958]

Well, the world cup means everything for Argentina. Not so much for other Nations... Only Brazil can match them.

[@stephenboud1711]

Lionel Messi: 1013 game, 793 goals 42 trophies, 4 copa america finals 1 win and two world cup finals 1 win. Diego Maradona: 680 games, 345 goals,12 trophies, 0 copa america finals and two world cup finals 1 win. It was never a contest.

[@BigBoss7777777]

Maradona was a pure midfielder, he didn’t play as a false 9 like Messi. Secondly, vast majority of Messi’s trophies are from a golden age Barcelona team. Maradona won the world cup with an average Argentina team and Italian league with Napoli twice. Never replicated again since. Messi can only win with very good teams around him.

[@stephenboud1711]

@@BigBoss7777777 Messi has had faaar tougher defensive schemes(not as physical) but far more technical and the athleticism of players is far greater in the modern era.

[@ezraezra2928]

Dani Alves was a true winner in terms of trophies, but sadly, he didn't win this World Cup.

[@gourmondal5812]

maradona is the god of football messi is the goat

[@awfan221]

I'm sure people can argue for either one. You would have to talk about the Napoli success (taking a good side and making them great, successful) or the line of argument that says that Maradona played in a much tougher time for goal-scorers (very subjective argument). Personally, it's the consistency and longevity that clinches it for Messi to me, and not the stats (Messi obviously wins on stats too).

[@sambog2635]

I'm old enough to watched both. Messi is GOAT!

[@christosnikitakis6675]

Me too.🤣🤣 I'm a 55 yr old ex footballer, and I remember watching Diego in 1986 and I was in awe. I never got that feeling again untill Messi did it. To me, I idolize both....

[@dangeorge9883]

Messi is the GOAT. Football is more technical today and having more fit players, with improved laws compared to back then where offside laws weren't fully established and players get away with alot.

[@naniraj5087]

Yes and back then defenders used to break strikers legs quite often. Not so these days. Too much protection for attackers these days.

[@davidt3956]

Modern forwards are protected far more than were Pele, Ronaldo, Maradona and others of their generations. Messi is the best of his generation, no question. However, there's no such thing as a GOAT, as the game has changed.

[@yuguisxodum2035]

Can y'all stop this bs? Like srsly just appreciate and respect all the great players from the past no need to downplay all their glory and achievements. Messi though is one of a kind and no one can dispute that after this win that's for sure.

[@dn8396]

If you say Messi is not Goat then you are too old or jealous !!!! Just go to bed.

[@christosnikitakis6675]

I'm 55 yr old ex footballer and I've seen Maradona and Messi. Messi is just an alien! Nobody will ever score 91 gls in one year, and add 30 assists. It's insane!!!

[@Junaid_Paramberi]

Argentina and Brazil are blessed with special players. I don’t think any team in the world has players like them other than Argentina and Brazil

[@zalemdreams]

Football was very different then. It's hard to compare players across different eras for this reason. The game was very different during Maradona's time, from the calendars to the leagues' rights to bring in foreign players and thus the European leagues' financial muscle, player protection and football infrastructures. They played during the Cold War. And that's before we mention Pele, who won 3 World Cups (1 in which he barely played to be fair), and played most of his career in Brazil, before the European leagues dominated thanks to their economic power. Comparing numbers is moot. Messi cemented his place today as the best of his generation. It's already an unbelievable achievement. The need for hyperbole in the "GOAT" debate is a bit ridiculous in my opinion.

[@anshul5705]

Pele played when there was no offside

[@thebat7048]

@@anshul5705 Course there was offside when Pele played 😂😂😂 Make sure you know 101% what you comment before you end up looking like a fool to the world 👍

[@hellothere-us7iw]

For me it is Messi or Pele. Never really considered maradona since those years he was drug up almost every game. It acts like a PED.

[@liamalam]

@@hellothere-us7iw I disagree. There's been documentaries and articles that I've come across stating that young Maradona was forced into drugs during his days in Naples for Napoli to lose in Serie A. Although I haven't seen evidence for or against those claims. Regardless, I just like to look at what he did in the field and not outside of it and what he did is at par with Pele and now Messi.

[@hellothere-us7iw]

@@liamalam nope it was stated on his autobiography that it acts like an upper PEDS. Allows your exhausted body to perform like engery booster, like how drug up law students, nursing students and doctors during their licensing exams to focus.

[@belichagua]

Messi is the G.O.A.T🙌

[@icecold6121]

question went from -"where is messi?" to "where is Shaka?" lol

[@ericannan4908]

Comparing Messi to Pele and Maradona based on goals, trophies and assist is unfair.Pele didn't get the chance to play in the Copa America, Maradona ucl chances was always limited since the UCL qualifications were not based on top four finish but solely on the league winner.I think the only criteria we can use to judge them is "Longevity" and clearly, Messi has been doing what he does best for 17yrs whilst Pele and Diego did it for 13 and 10 respectively

[@Jay-bs4qw]

Maradona never won a copa America, and he never had the consistency of Messi. Nostalgia merchants love to claim him but Messi is clear of everyone

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

Stupids too never makes sense. Messi Copa was not a great story. Too much tries. In WC of course two finals in 4 and a victory 🔥

[@steffandua2047]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t am so confused why are u defending maradona only nostalgia merchants and ronaldo fanboys will defend maradona you know messi is better than all aspects of the game than maradona. maradona at his prime years got the same g/a as messi their winning wc tournaments at the age of 35 but you don't use g+a to talk about the magic about messi and maradona messi has been more consistent and he is the better player

[@christosnikitakis6675]

I'm 55 yrs old and I saw Maradona live in 1986, and Messi is still miles above everyone! Maradona, Pele, CR, it doesn't matter. He destroys them all.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@christosnikitakis6675 Sorry man. I just watched individual highlights of Maradona but come on I dont think Messi can do that much as Maradona with underrated teams. Maradona in prime was better. Overall career Messi may be superior

[@jonathanyeong324]

Based on Accolades, I am gonna have to go with Messi . Plus he is Argentina's all time top scorer by some considerable distance

[@calvinrulez]

1. Maradona 2. Messi 3. R9 4. Pele 5-10 Zidane, Platini, Cristiano, Beckenbaeur, Cryuff, Di Stefano

[@TheGhost668]

Shaka does not have an argument now 😂. Love from Trinidad

[@chancesareshewears]

Oh stop this..Maradona played in a far more brutal era and with lessor teams...stop this nonsense...How would Maradona do with the Barcelona team regarded by most as the greatest of all time? He won with NAPOLI!!! and carried Argentina on his own back to win the WC...sheesh..let it go

[@positivelycurvedpikachu]

agree

[@kareemlawson878]

Best game ever for the best player ever and. The player next up. So happy Leo has finally done it it was never close overall vs ronaldo as we all knew messi is the much better footballer with more ballon d ors. Ronaldo stats and goals is the only thing that kept him relevant. This win is more sweeter for the older generations that say unless he wins a wc like Pele r9 Ronaldinho zidan Henry and maradona they can’t have Messi as there goat, now they can no longer use that argument🔥

[@kachdragonfly]

FULL credit to De Maria (an ETERNAL BIG GAME changer; and I've never liked him!); Deschamps for making changes pre-half time. Mourinho and Van Gaal have done it too. Irrespective of whether you win or lose, as a coach (I've also been a high level elite tournament coach); you have to go for it. I'm not a fan of Messi either but he has demonstrated what perseverance can achieve. Congratulations!!! I am bewildered why France don't laud Deschamps (I'm not a fan but...) with praise. Makes no sense.

[@bayazwow]

If this World Cup settled it in your mind, I guess I just don’t understand your thought process. Prime Leo was much much much more undeniable than current Leo, but he finally has a good team and wins the World Cup, so now he can get the respect he deserves? I really don’t get it at all

[@aksingh3167]

1978,1986 and 2022. Vamos argentina 💙

[@bewleyberry]

Never seen a player with a ball at his feet like Maradona. What he did with Napoli is the greatest story in football.

[@pauladomah9847]

I saw Maradona play Messi stand tall the greatest player of all time PERIOD.

[@Marky2216]

Like seriously ok what about Ankara Messi that messi

[@rodycaz8984]

Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer of all time.

[@Jay-bs4qw]

Did he win the champions league with Napoli? Leicester winning the league was a better story than that

[@zetazero5899]

What Jamie Vardy did with Leicester, no player ever will do. This puts Jamie Vardy ahead of the likes of Brazilian Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Marco van Basten and Van Nistelroy. Can't remember those players playing for a weaker side and winning the PL. All they did was sit in their comfort zone and play for the richest and best clubs in the world.

[@acupuncturekid]

Reconfirming Romanticism ale

[@TheNazreensyah]

All across the media. None mention messi against cr7 anymore. Its over. Its all about standing with maradonna and pele. Goat indeed

[@VESANG]

1982 was the best WC ... top teams and incredible games. Still remember France vs Germany semi

[@yashpatil5465]

Wait what?

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

@@yashpatil5465 1982

[@VESANG]

@@yashpatil5465 Typo ...1982

[@VESANG]

@@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo Yes ... my bad typo

[@philnguyen6376]

Best football players in history at the moment 1. Pele 2. Messi 3. Maradona

[@Jay-bs4qw]

Did you watch pele play mate? Be honest…

[@Xenon1011]

By achievement . As a player Messi towers everyone 🐐

[@jacknicholson8246]

pele is a fraud and never play in europe plus in 1962 the brazilian team dont need pele to win world cup . messi and maradona are the goats of football

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

Maradona> Pele. Even individual highlights are available,, people don't watch but spend time to debate

[@ThrowbackTennis]

Messi without a doubt in my opinion the greatest. Even back then him not winning the World Cup yet is considered by many the greatest of all time, this win solidified him being the official G.O.A.T.

[@mesbahulhoda9539]

BREAKING NEWS: After the results of the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, Criatiano Ronaldo has declared he will not retire until he wins a World Cup to stay relevant in the GOAT discussion.

[@christosnikitakis6675]

We won't hold our breath. That's for sure. Well all be dead by the time CR even ever plays in a World Cup again. Which he won't...

[@4thGenna.]

Why post a title like this when there's no one here to argue for Marradona that I can sit back and enjoy a nice debate haha

[@jhamler1]

It never occurred to me that, for all the nations below the equator, the World Cup is always in the Winter.

[@garywagner4252]

Look at what Maradona did in Napoli and Argentina. Three years after arriving in a were Serie A Champs. Then Coppa Italia Champs. Then UEFA Champs. He then took Argentina to a World Cup Title in 86, then a World Cup Final Match in 90, before they shafted him in the 94 World Cup, surrounded with marginal talent at best. No disrespect to Messi, but he's spent most of his career surrounded by great players.

[@odhdhd1543]

Did most of his best work surrounded by superb Spanish national team aka Barcelona team

[@wamnicho]

But maradona used to sniff drugs and he scored a goal with his hand. Imagine if we had VAR back then, maradona's goal would have been cancelled and probably given him a red card

[@kisonsl6659]

@@wamnicho Lol he wouldn't have done that had VAR been on Maradona was ahead of his time & he showed that he doesn't need to use his hand to score just minutes later by scoring the goal of the century! Messi needed the team heavily to get him the WC but he wasn't always magic while Maradona 86 quaters, semis & finals pass to Burzaga.. 90 run vs Brazil in round of 16, all the fouls and defenders used to surround him which led the other players in the team to score...Maradona galvanized the team! The same thing happened in the 86 final when Argentina was 2-0 up the mighty intense Germans equalized 2-2 at 81 minutes instead of falling apart Maradona eventhough he was surrounded by 3 German defenders including Mathias whole match created a beautiful pass to Burrchaga which won the game at 89 mins!

[@jamesjun1258]

@@wamnichoit’s because you don’t understand the political significance of the hand of God it was like divine revenge for British war crimes in the Falklands War

[@jamesjun1258]

@@wamnichonot to mention he scored the goal of the century just after that goal

[@junyadanfullyscaach100]

ronaldo is probably kicking the back of a chair or kicking anything right now 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Lmforever]

Sure bro 😂😂😂 he doesn't like messi

[@Currentakick7]

@@Lmforever both players like each other, it's you guys that like to make drama.

[@nazmulbhuiyan1982]

Please 🙏🏼 don’t disrespect the phenomenon by calling Cristiano as Ronaldo.

[@junyadanfullyscaach100]

@@nazmulbhuiyan1982 well he is the active ronaldo..lol

[@christosnikitakis6675]

He's vomiting in his toilet daily. Each time he wakes up, the first vision that pops in CR's head is Messi holding the Cup and being carried by Aguero...

[@christosnikitakis6675]

Can I have two idols??? I'm a 55 yr old ex footballer and I grew up watching Maradona win in 1986. I was hooked. Now Messi has taken over. But Messi is Alien...So with Messi, now, it's extra special....

[@bkice78]

Zidane and Mbappe. That would be interesting to watch..

[@MrKaravaj]

Ronaldo lima and Messi the best for me

[@TheeChronicle]

Messi is the best of this generation. Just like Pele and Maradona were the best of their generations. Pele is still the GOAT if you ask people who have watched all these generations.

[@gourmondal5812]

and why pele is the goat???lol because of his 3 wcs?? in which he was injured in whole 1962 wc but brazil won without him and pele was not the best player of any wc[dida in 1958 wc garrincha in 1962 wc jairzinho in 1970 wc]....brazil was goated at that time now mbappe also have 12 wc goals same as pele at 23!! and messi have more g+a than pele

[@pauladdae3130]

@@gourmondal5812 No. Pele, then Maradona, Zidane, R9, Ronaldinho aswell. The current era of player are so privileged and benefit from football being a non-contact sport. Also pitches being pruned superbly and light footballs. Then all of the associated care around players today. But Pele has to be number 1, and with 3 World Cups that kind of settles it, and he was the first. He was not protected either on the pitch. Maradona- he was taken out in the 1982 World Cup. Ridiculous fouls on him which didn't even get yellow cards. Maradona got more protection in 1986, but during his prime Maradona was more subtle on the ball, elegant and more of a leader than Messi was during Messi's prime. Just my view. I grew up as a kid watching Maradona, and seeing videos of Pele. The players today seem more pampered and engineered. Messi defo in top ten best ever, but not the greatest ever player.

[@mohamedharak2689]

diego played at a time when there was no player protection, the defenders were strong and brutal, they targeted the legs directly, especially with maradona who suffered broken legs and came back better than he was. maradona because of him football has become the most popular game. maradona is a charismatic leader who went to Napoli when he was in the bottom and made it a giant team. messi, when he was playing with Barcelona, ​​was one of the biggest teams at the time, and included great players such as ronaldinho and eto'o. there will never be like diego, his outstanding, bewitching touch of the ball will always remains the best

[@michaelwong3716]

The debate is over !

[@Titania2099]

The world cup deserved a Messi.

[@burningknuckle26]

Diego skillwise, ability and aura.

[@gj.c9060]

Frank picked the score though,2-2

[@nottheonefromearth]

For me it's: 1. Ronaldo, 2. Ronaldinho & 3. Romario (disrespectful, not to mention him) L. Messi > Diego Maradona > C. Ronaldo (with all due respect, but he has no World Cup.) Pele and Cruyff are just way before my time.

[@positivelycurvedpikachu]

did you ever watch Maradona play?

[@nottheonefromearth]

@@positivelycurvedpikachu Yes and fyi there are some full matches online. Thanks for asking tho.

[@positivelycurvedpikachu]

@@nottheonefromearth Maradona carried all by himself a before nonexistant team to suddenly win the Uefa and Scudetto. But most important, won a world cup all by himself... isn't that true?

[@nottheonefromearth]

@@positivelycurvedpikachu if you think he is better, that's cool. I rate him very high as you can see, so I don't see the problem. This is my opinion. Do just wanna conversate about it, what's the purpose here?

[@Jeff_2x]

Their is LITERALLY nothing you could argue for Maradona being over Messi the ONLY thing he had over Messi was having a WC and now he doesn’t have that over him anymore.

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

He had legendary performance to WC victory,, dont think it's gonna change. Napoli to title was another story

[@wamnicho]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t by scoring with a hand, imagine, if they had VAR back then, that goal would have been cancelled and maradona would have probably gotten a red card

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@wamnicho It's not just about scoring with hand. He was able to do tackles, press, clearences to create good chances and key passes and regularly Making dangerous moves which split defence, also scored wonder goals. The workrate was way higher than Messi. And impact in victories too.Maradna vs Belgium England were outstanding all time great performances also Uruguay one was excellent. He even gave crucial pass for winning goal in final too. Messi performance never reach close to that,that too in a defence friendly era with huge tackles.

[@tyronelorenzovalentio3414]

@@user-bi5nw4vp6t messi has more key passes than Maradona in this wc alone, More dribbles More goals And scored in the final Unlike maradona

[@user-bi5nw4vp6t]

@@tyronelorenzovalentio3414 That's because u watch football in stats, Maradona games are available watch it all. Messi was good but he was no Maradona. Maradona almost did it alone in WC Semi and Quarter,, he created, gave lot of passes,tackles well, cleared ball and he scored great goals.Messi got the advantage of soft pens, eventhough his performances were good that softpens really decreased the value of course victory. Maradona,Garrincha both performed best in WC.

[@yaman3566]

I'm pretty sure Messi will play WC2026, and eventually will break all the pending records.

[@UnitedFerrariLakers]

Don’t think so. Now he has his World Cup champion. I don’t think he is after any other records. Don’t be surprised if he announces retirement after this season.

[@darwinodriscoll7750]

@@UnitedFerrariLakers he's staying

[@Bak10281]

@@UnitedFerrariLakers Why would he retire if he can play at the level he plays right now. He will prolong his career as long as he can.

[@davidandrew2750]

That’s what I think

[@christosnikitakis6675]

If he's winning IFFHS awards at 35, I don't see this guy slowing down at all. He keeps evolving. He's a freak of nature. That's why Leo is an 👽...

[@shivanshuroy6992]

Vamos Argentina🇦🇷

[@CuriousPug12]

Messi because of his longevity and how many titles he won both as individual and as a team

[@FrostCutter]

Maradona is in Messi's shadow now

[@alansmith4655]

Messi. Why is this still a debate 😂

[@joydeep6582]

Diego inspired generations to play football.. so did messi.. both are goat..

[@mark7831]

Messi and Maradona are my inspiration especially now for my 4 year old 🙌 son

[@nando7187]

Maradona Never needed an Arab to pay for his World Cup 😂😂😂😂

[@RobPires]

Ronaldo and his fan boys must be livid. All toys thrown out of their prams.

[@tpampouk]

Why not both?

[@phil.1]

Messi is once in a Universe. Cristiano Ronaldo is once in a Millennium. Mbappe is once in a generation

[@pilly1000]

*Pele entered the chat*

[@senwosret1]

Is ronaldo really once in an millennium?

[@christosnikitakis6675]

Sounds accurate to me...

[@christosnikitakis6675]

@@senwosret1 Basically he ranked them in order. 1) Messi, 2) CR, and 3) Mbappe.

[@pasht667]

Goal of the century still stays! The world never seen a goal like that in world cup finals

[@kachdragonfly]

Which one? Are you like 12yo? Pele's goal in 1958 final??? just ONE example

[@ThePrincejoy]

@@kachdragonfly my friend that was voted goal of century the second against England not sure what's your argument beyond tht

[@pasht667]

@@kachdragonflygo and search maradona goal of the century

[@praveenbabu149]

That goal was not in the final anyway

[@jordanschlansky4093]

@@kachdragonfly we aren't talking pre-historic age here

[@gtona3539]

Sentiment is the biggest liar Accolades don't lie. Let's have common ground as yard stick to measure who is the greatest.

[@Rayado_26]

You could feel that lloris couldn't not save a PK..total opposite for emi..

[@amrithbharadwaj4945]

By the way, any great Peter Drury quotes y'all can recall from last night?