On Tuesday night, after the referee blew the final whistle at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, a new voice was heard on the white and blue walls of the Argentinian supporters: “Maradona is supporting Messi from heaven.”
The discussion of the similarity between the two greatest players of Argentine football, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, is at its peak at the moment. It is still being discussed a lot in Qatar.
Just as Maradona won his World Cup in 1986, Messi is now doing the same. Messi has led Argentina to the final of the World Cup for the second time with five goals and three assists in six matches of the ongoing World Cup.
Despite reaching the World Cup final in Brazil eight years ago, Messi’s Argentina finished as runners-up when they lost to Germany.
It is a perennial talking point in world football that Messi is Maradona. Height, dribbling skills, agility, and left-foot magic are similarities between both players.
Messi has been showing more of Maradona’s qualities in Qatar, leading the team forward with his leadership skills, fighting for the team, and his brilliant performances.
Argentina has reached the final of the World Cup despite a bad start by losing to Saudi Arabia, thanks to Messi’s excellent performance. Messi is just one step away from winning the World Cup for Argentina like Maradona did 36 years ago.
“Messi is playing Maradona’s role,” says Jorge Valdano, Maradona’s teammate at the 1986 World Cup.
Messi was in fine form as Argentina reached their sixth final with a stunning 3-0 win over former runners-up Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night. Messi’s assist for the third goal made a clear statement of his level and ability.
Messi, who received the ball in Croatia’s half, overcame the challenge of Josko Gvardiol, who performed well throughout the competition, and gave an assist to Julian Alvarez from near the byline. It was another “moment of magic” that Messi showed on the pitch.
“Personally, I’m enjoying this World Cup very much,” Messi said, “and I’m able to help my team.” So I can say this: “I am really happy.”
This final will not be just a football match for Messi. “It’s not just a result; it’s a journey we’ve decided on,” Messi said. “Before this, in Argentina, it was just a win or a loss.” But I think now people have started paying attention to other things.
As he said, it’s not just about winning or losing. If he can win the World Cup for Argentina, he will register his name along with Pele and Maradona in the list of all-time great players in world football. Messi has announced that this World Cup will be his last.
Messi will be 39 years old in 2026, when 48 teams will be playing in the World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada. So Messi is really playing this World Cup as his last chance. Messi, who has been involved in eight goals in six games, will enter the field on Sunday with the plan to add a star to the Argentina jersey. Maradona added a second star.
