Messi’s Triumph and Historic Achievement:
Lionel Messi solidified his status as a football legend by becoming the first Argentine to lift the World Cup trophy since Diego Maradona’s historic win in 1986. His brilliant performance led Argentina to a thrilling 3-3 draw against France in the final, and he played a crucial role in the penalty shootout victory that clinched the title for Argentina.
Throughout his international career, Messi has notched an impressive record, scoring 98 goals in 172 appearances for the national team, averaging nearly one goal per game. In comparison, Maradona retired with 34 goals in 91 matches, averaging more than one goal in every three games.
Club Achievements:
Lionel Messi enjoyed immense success during his illustrious tenure with Barcelona, where he netted a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances. Over 17 years at Nou Camp, Messi helped Barcelona secure 10 La Liga titles and 4 Champions League trophies.
Since his move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2021, Messi’s goal-scoring rate has slightly declined, with 23 goals in 53 matches. However, he still managed to win Ligue 1 and the French Cup with PSG, bringing his total career trophies to an impressive 39 compared to Maradona’s 11.
Maradona’s Legacy:
Diego Maradona’s legacy is etched in football history with his exceptional performances for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli. He played a pivotal role in Boca Juniors’ Argentine league victory in 1981 before moving to Europe. In Spain, Maradona lifted three domestic cups with Barcelona before joining Napoli in Italy, where he secured two Serie A titles, two domestic cups, and a UEFA Cup.
Although there is some debate regarding the exact number of goals scored by Maradona for his clubs, he is widely recognized to have netted 259 goals in 490 appearances.
Individual Accolades:
Lionel Messi holds an astonishing record of winning 7 Ballon d’Or awards, a testament to his consistent excellence in the sport. On the other hand, during Maradona’s era, the Ballon d’Or was exclusively awarded to European players playing in Europe, which explains why he never received the honor.
In 2000, FIFA awarded Maradona the FIFA Player of the Century, recognizing his immense contributions to football. Additionally, he was honored with the Ballon d’Or in 1995 in recognition of his footballing achievements.
Both Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi are footballing titans who have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. While Maradona’s impact was extraordinary during his playing days, Messi’s long and illustrious career has brought him remarkable individual accolades and numerous club titles.
The comparison between Maradona and Messi goes beyond statistics; it is about celebrating their unique qualities as leaders and their contributions to Argentina’s football history. Both players will be cherished as true legends of the sport, and their names will forever be etched in the hearts of football fans around the world.
