Javier Zanetti has insisted that Lionel Messi has not overtaken Diego Maradona in Argentina’s corridor of fame after lifting the 2022 World Cup.
- Messi spearheaded Argentina’s win
- Gained the Golden Ball award
- Zanetti insists Maradona nonetheless forward of Messi
WHAT HAPPENED? Messi was the standout performer of the 2022 World Cup with seven objectives and three assists, together with a brace within the last that helped Argentina beat France to land their third title. The Argentine skipper additionally picked up a record-breaking second Golden Ball for his efforts in Qatar, however Zanetti doesn’t suppose it is sufficient to surpass the deeds of Maradona, who impressed his nation to glory on the 1986 World Cup.
WHAT THEY SAID: Former Argentina captain Zanetti, who performed alongside Messi at worldwide stage between 2005 and 2011, advised Stats Carry out when requested if the Paris Saint-Germain star has overtaken Maradona: “No, not for me. I do not like [the] comparability. We’ve to be grateful that the 2 best [players] in historical past are Argentines. I do not suppose [Messi] has modified. I believe he’s extra mature now and he was in a position to transmit his management to the remainder of the group this time.”
Zanetti added on Argentina touchdown their first world crown in 36 years: “It is a fantastic emotion that the lads gave us as a result of now we have been ready for it for a very long time. I believe they made it occur, the dream of tens of millions of Argentinian followers around the globe. It was a fantastic last for us Argentines as a result of it appeared it was all stepping into our method however then France had a fantastic response.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: On the highway to victory, Messi broke a few World Cup data. He’s now the participant with essentially the most appearances (26) within the World Cup finals, overtaking Germany legend Lothar Matthaus. The 35-year-old additionally grew to become Argentina’s high scorer in World Cup competitors forward of Gabriel Batistuta after he transformed a penalty towards Croatia within the semi-final.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty Photos
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI? The ahead is predicted to return to aggressive motion with PSG towards Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on December 28.