Lionel Messi has been a very important player for Argentina over the years. The number ten has often put in game-changing performances for his country on the international stage. The 36-year-old made his debut for Argentina in the year 2005.
The current Argentina’s number ten Lionel Messi has so far played 178 matches for his country at the international level. The forward player has scored 106 times for Argentina till now in his career. Leo has also played for his country at the youth level. He made his Argentina under-20 team debut in the year 2004.
On the other hand, former Argentina’s number ten Diego Maradona holds a legendary status in the game of soccer. The veteran attacking midfielder reportedly played 91 matches for Argentina on the international level, scoring 34 goals.
According to the reports, Leo had something to say about Diego Maradona. He reportedly quoted his thoughts about Maradona to former France international player Zinedine Zidane. Argentina’s number ten reportedly stated – “For us, Argentines the number ’10’ is very special, you talked about ’10’ and you automatically would think of Maradona”.
Leo Messi to Zinedine Zidane on Diego Maradona: “For us, Argentines the number ’10’ is very special, you talked about ’10’ and you automatically would think of Maradona.
“Although no one became like him, the dream and desire was always that… My children already know about him… pic.twitter.com/2QjevN1MXb
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) November 9, 2023
The 36-year-old further reportedly expressed – “Although no one became like him (Diego Maradona), the dream and desire was always that”. Leo also went on to express that his children knew about Maradona, even though they never saw the legendary player. “For us, Diego is something very strong”, the forward reportedly concluded his statement by saying this.
Messi winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina, was a World Cup win for the country after 36 years since Diego Maradona’s Argentina won it in 1986. It can be inferred from Leo’s statements that the 36-year-old holds a deep respect for the God of Argentine soccer Diego Maradona.
Diego Maradona on whether a World Cup win justifies Lionel Messi
As per the earlier reports, the Argentinian legend Diego Maradona stated that Leo’s position as one of the greatest players is affixed and can’t be affected by him winning the World Cup or not. Maradona reportedly quoted –“Soccer history will remember Messi“.
Reports say, the veteran further expressed his opinion and said – “Soccer has given him (Messi) a lot, as much as he has given the sport”. The former Argentina player then reportedly stated, “to win a World Cup, wouldn’t bring himself (Messi) anything else”, as per his thoughts.
Unfortunately, Diego Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020. The legendary midfielder didn’t get the opportunity to witness Argentina lifting the FIFA World Cup again in the year 2022, with Leo as its captain at the mega event.