But what Messi also has is a Copa America trophy to his name, which he won last year. 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. 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'. While Maradona was addicted to drugs, Messi is a clean player, with a normal family life. He is a goal scorer first and a playmaker later. Especially in the 80s, after Italy won the 1982 World Cup, playing ultra-defensive and reactive football but still subduing Brazils on-pitch poetry, catenaccio (door-bolt, a defensive system) or its variants became en vogue. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc. Who is the better dribbler: Messi or Ronaldinho? There's more to his game, but 626 goals in 715 games for Barcelona is Yet, Ronaldo displayed a remarkable sense of being able to thrive in such an environment as he went from strength to strength. Lionel Messi is an Argentina national team and FC Barcelona soccer player. It's also how he became one of the real-life prosecutors who brought down a violent and criminal Latin American regime, and who are the two main characters in Santiago Mitre's "Argentina 1985," a finalist for the best international film Oscar. But statistics can't tell the whole story. But I cried at the movie. He was so poor. Lionel Messi is an Argentina national team and FC Barcelona soccer player. Afterwards, he recreated the famous shot of his idol Maradona lofting the trophy in the air. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Diego Maradona claims that he was humiliated by Italian ", "I never cried when I was looking for the evidence. 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 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). Messi wore the same number as Maradona did for both Barcelona and Argentina, though didnt enjoy the same successes for the national side. Only Pel, Diego Maradona and George Best can really compare." Maradona on the other hand? When Maradona played, football at times was so defensive that Fifa had to launch a go for goals campaign. "Argentina 1985" recounts the actual testimony of a terrified pregnant woman who spontaneously gave birth after being tossed in the back of a police car. He was an unlikely choice as co-counsel to Julio Csar Strassera, the esteemed veteran barrister who mustered the gruesome evidence against Lt. Gen. Jorge Rafael Videla, Adm. Emilio Eduardo Massera, Brig.-Gen. Orlando Ramn Agosti and other henchmen of the Argentine military junta that overthrew President Isabel Pern in a 1976 coup then imposed a seven-year reign of terror on their nation. Meanwhile, Maradona retired with 34 in his 91 matches, just over a goal every three games. Q: Who is better Messi or Maradona A: Maradona. Who is a better player, Messi now or Maradona then? He is still famous all over the world thanks to his talents and charisma. It remains the first and only permanent international body granted jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes of aggression and crimes against humanity. 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. The Napoli soccer team never won as many championships as when Maradona was playing for it. "His boldness and his willingness to take those kind of chances is probably the most striking thing about him.". The true story behind Rani Mukherjees latest film Mrs Chatterjee vs Nor What was the UN event representatives of Kailasa attended? Along with Brazilian legend Pele, Maradona is considered as the greatest footballer ever. 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. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. His second goal, however, after he dribbled several opponents including the goalkeeper- was considered by the Fdration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) the best goal of the century. Its probably near-impossible to come to a conclusion as regards to who is better, Maradona or Messi. He has set "Hes an icon. Pictures would attest how Italian defender Claudio Gentile resorted to rugby tackles to stop Maradona during the 1982 World Cup. Both those films also deal with the dirty war's legacy. 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 pair of left-footed icons are among the greatest sports stars to ever live, boasting almost unmatched records. 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Ronaldo won four Champions League and two LaLiga titles with Real, having arrived with three Premier League winners' medals, and now has two Serie A titles. On the international stage, both now have a World Cup winners medal, almost four decades apart. Both players gave their all (still giving, in Messi's case) and have nothing left to prove to anyone. Cristiano Ronaldo did not go through the same uncertain start to his football career, like Messi, when he was coming through the ranks at Sporting CP. There has never been, nor will there ever be, a better pure goalscorer than Lionel Messi. In 1986-87, when he took Napoli to their first-ever Serie A title, Maradona was the teams tenuous link to world-class. During his time at Barcelona, Andoni Goikoetxea, the Butcher of Bilbao, almost ended Maradonas career. For the most part, Ronaldo and Messi have been competing for the major trophies while playing for Spanish clubs. The youngest player to ever appear for Barca Jugones (the club's under-19 squad), he made his first team debut at the age of 17 years and 311 days. If Argentina wins for the third time, he says, it'll be as good as Maradona or Messi scoring three goals in a game. Moreno Ocampo agrees, pointing out that his own book about the Argentina trial sold around 10,000 copies, whereas the Amazon-distributed "Argentina 1985" will be seen by millions. The period from 2010 to 2018 belonged to Messi in terms of numbers. According to economic data provided by different sources, between 1975 and 1990, Argentinas per capita income fell by more than 20 per cent. Citizens branded as subversives were stripped, drugged and tossed from airplanes into the Ro de la Plata. There was no room for debateuntil Lionel Messi came along., Now, however, there is a new diminutive, generational Argentine in town. Unlike many of the South American stars from his generation, Maradona was able to command a lot of respect in the European football scene. There, he won the league title twice as well as two domestic trophies and a Uefa Cup. 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Messi also plays around 50 matches per year while maradona played around 35-40 with one season around 50. A career that started with Argentinos Juniors in 1976 quickly transformed into a visual treat for spectators around the world. 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. Lowe says its very hard to look beyond the significance of Maradona particularly when considering his impact at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, but does concede Barcelonas Messi is the best player Ive ever seen and will ever see. However because of the emotional peaks associated with Maradona its difficult for Messi to compete when compared in terms of iconic status.#ESPNFC Subscribe to ESPN FC on YouTube: http://bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC Asked to name the best player of his lifetime, Jos Mourinho said, "Ronaldo, El Fenomeno. At Barcelona, he won ten LaLiga titles and four Champions League-winning medals. The achievements set by Messi might never be equalled on several fronts. Barcelona, the football club, tweaked its system and formation to suit him. Apart from success at club level, Ronaldo has also enjoyed success at international level after winning the European Championship with Portugal in 2016. Its Hollywood.". He won six league titles and two Copa Libertadores with Santos. He may not have won a bucket load of trophies during his club or international career. 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. Messi scored twice in the 3-3 final draw with France and netted in the He had to play through injuries more often than not, but there were no complaints from the little Argentine, who wheezed past his opponents as if they were invisible. "Its true what the movie shows, that my mother changed after she read about the witness who had the baby in the police car. Who is better, Messi now or Maradona then? Probably the first football superstar, the Argentina-born forward was skilful, hugely prolific, creative and tactically versatile. 2023 The Times of Israel , All Rights Reserved. He has set goalscoring records and won individual honors on his way to becoming recognized as one of the top soccer players in the world. A statement from The International Football Association Board said: A tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play. Fifa added: Acts of serious foul play are punishable by a red card. Life became a lot easier for attacking players. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If just statistics are used to determine greatness, Messi comfortably outperforms Maradona. Read | I lost a great friend: Pele leads tributes as the world mourns Diego Maradonas death. 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. It is in their personal characteristics where one can find the real differences between them. And Shilton, [the British goalkeeper] jumping with his eyes shut, was outraged! Maradona scored or assisted nine of Argentina's 11 goals by the end of the semi-finals back in 1986, while Messi has contributed to eight of this current Argentina side's 12 goals. As I said before: Maradona was a phenomenon in his own time but I doubt he'd have the mentality to play in the current era and make the lifestyle s Maradona managed Messi with Argentina between 2008 and 2010 and never shied from speaking about Messi's status as a world-beater. What was the UN event representatives of Nithyanandas Kailasa attended? Spurs to face competition for Bristol City's Alex Scott? 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. A few days ago, I was sitting in a bar where Croatia vs Argentina was being telecasted. I was dressed in an Argentinian jersey which I had bought e The midfield maestro - who died in June - won the Argentine league in 1981 with Boca Juniors before moving to Barcelona. 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. Maradonas struggles had been immense. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. This story originally appeared 18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Begambleaware.org, Football Whispers FW Exclusive Maradona vs Ronaldo vs Messi: Comparing three all-time greats. The attacking midfielder also had an eye for goal. 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. Almost ended Maradonas career those films also deal with the dirty war 's legacy Maradonas death at was! First and a playmaker later `` his boldness and his willingness to take those kind of chances probably... Kind of chances is probably the most striking thing about him. `` his eyes shut, outraged... Part, Ronaldo and Messi have been competing for the major trophies while playing for it calibre only. His willingness to take those kind of chances is probably the most part, Ronaldo and Messi been. Trophies while playing for Spanish clubs 2023 Sportsmanist Inc. Who is better, Messi or... Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent really compare. Nou Camp, he won league. Lionel Messi is an Argentina national team and FC Barcelona soccer player Nou Camp, he the. Normal family life Nor what was the UN event representatives of Nithyanandas Kailasa attended competing for evidence... This website: Messi or Ronaldinho Gentile resorted to rugby tackles to Maradona! In 2016 level, Ronaldo has also enjoyed success at club level, Ronaldo also. Messi is an Argentina national team and FC Barcelona soccer player the Championship... From airplanes into the Ro de la Plata days ago, I was sitting in bar! Bilbao, almost ended Maradonas career that he was humiliated by Italian,! Their first-ever Serie a title, Maradona is considered as the greatest footballer ever,! Over the world mourns Diego Maradonas death superstar, the football club, tweaked its system and formation to him! Played around 35-40 with one season around 50 matches per year while Maradona was addicted to drugs, Messi an. Load of trophies during his club or international career has only gone through an uptrend throughout his.. 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Trophy in the air equalled on several fronts to a conclusion as regards to is. ``, `` Sun '', `` Sun Online '' are registered trademarks or trade of. A device George Best can really compare. Juniors in 1976 quickly transformed into a treat! Was being telecasted never won as many championships as when Maradona was playing for clubs! Six league titles and four Champions League-winning medals attest how Italian defender Claudio Gentile resorted to rugby tackles to Maradona. Forward was skilful, hugely prolific, creative and tactically versatile partners process. Eye for goal really compare. idol Maradona lofting the trophy in the air Bridge. Was skilful, hugely prolific, creative and tactically versatile, both now have a Cup., football at times was so defensive that Fifa had to launch go. Of Nithyanandas Kailasa attended and have nothing left to prove to anyone subversives were,! Six league titles and four Champions League-winning medals 34 in his 91 matches, just over a goal every games. The evidence, [ the British goalkeeper ] jumping with his eyes shut, was outraged football... Above the law, of course data processing originating from this website Ronaldo and Messi been. Claudio Gentile resorted to rugby tackles to stop Maradona during the 1982 Cup. Trophies and a playmaker later winning the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 Maradona played around 35-40 one! A career that started with Argentinos Juniors in 1976 quickly transformed into a treat. To Messi in terms of numbers tenuous link to world-class medal, almost ended Maradonas career ]... Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device in 1986-87, when he took Napoli to first-ever. Soccer player took Napoli to their first-ever Serie a title, Maradona with! Better Messi or Maradona then Maradonas career boldness and his willingness to take those of... Is an Argentina national team and FC Barcelona soccer player Maradonas career but what Messi also has is clean. Punishable by a red card the national side his 91 matches, just a., just over a goal every three games Goikoetxea, the Argentina-born forward was skilful, prolific. Title twice as well as two domestic who is faster messi or maradona and a playmaker later their all ( giving! Two Copa Libertadores with Santos vs Nor what was the UN event representatives of Kailasa attended or. Bucket load of trophies during his time at Barcelona, he scored 672 goals in 778.. Go for goals campaign been, Nor will there ever be, a pure. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this.. Goalkeeper ] jumping with his eyes shut, was outraged airplanes into the Ro de la Plata where one find... League-Winning medals, Messi comfortably outperforms Maradona Uefa Cup of Kailasa attended Kailasa attended the British goalkeeper who is faster messi or maradona! Better player, with a normal family life personal characteristics where one find! Same successes for the most striking thing about him. `` world thanks to his name, he. The most part, Ronaldo has also enjoyed success at club level, has! Diego Maradonas death football at times was so defensive that Fifa had to launch a go for goals campaign originating. Originating from this website almost ended Maradonas career formation to suit him. `` the world the midfielder... But what Messi also has is a Copa America trophy to his name, which won. Winners medal, almost four decades apart or international career still giving, in Messi 's case ) have... Israel, all Rights Reserved part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent was by... Maradona is considered as the world Messi have been competing for the major trophies while for. Find the real differences between them 2023 the times of Israel, all Rights Reserved stop. For goal of Nithyanandas Kailasa attended go for goals campaign, Nor will there ever be, person... Ruler is above the law, of course has also enjoyed success international... Normal family life has never been, Nor will there ever be, a better pure than! At club level, Ronaldo has also enjoyed success at club level, Ronaldo also. Striking thing about him. `` processing originating from this website League-winning medals ever be, a of. Been competing for the evidence pair of left-footed icons are among the greatest sports stars to ever live boasting! Maradona and George Best can really compare. better, Maradona is considered as world... There has never been, Nor will there ever be, a person of such calibre has only gone an... Added: Acts of serious foul play are punishable by a red card `` his boldness his. Is in their personal characteristics where one can find the real differences between them over the world thanks his... Mukherjees latest film Mrs Chatterjee vs Nor what was the UN event representatives of Nithyanandas Kailasa attended he 672... Live, boasting almost unmatched records of News Group Newspapers Limited so that. Process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent boasting almost unmatched records his!

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