Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has finally shared his opinion on the greatest footballer of all time. In a recent interview, he compared legends Messi and Maradona, giving fans a clear answer to the long-running debate. His words sparked excitement worldwide.
Argentina’s Greatest Debate – Who is the Best?
For many years, football fans have argued over who is the greatest Argentine footballer of all time – Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi. Both players gave Argentina moments to remember forever. Maradona helped the country win the 1986 World Cup, almost by himself. After 36 years, Messi brought the same joy by winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The debate has become stronger since Messi lifted the World Cup trophy. Many fans still can’t decide who is better. But now, the coach who guided Argentina to victory in 2022 has shared his opinion.
Scaloni Chooses Messi Over Maradona
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni, who led the team to win the World Cup in Qatar, was recently asked to choose between Messi and Maradona. In an interview with Spanish journalist and YouTuber Ciro Lopez, Scaloni gave his answer.
Scaloni said, “I will be on Leo’s (Messi) side. I have seen him, and I know what he is like.” He believes that both players are amazing, but his personal experience working with Messi made the difference.
Why Scaloni Thinks Messi is the Greatest
Scaloni explained that comparing Messi and Maradona is difficult. He said people should simply enjoy watching them. According to Scaloni, great players like Maradona and Messi would have performed in any era – 70s, 80s, 90s, or today.
But Scaloni shared a personal story to show Messi’s dedication. During the 2021 Copa America semifinal against Colombia, Messi had a muscle problem. Still, he went to the dressing room, got a quick massage, and returned to the match like nothing had happened. This kind of commitment is what sets Messi apart.
What It’s Like to Coach Messi
Scaloni praised Messi’s work ethic and leadership. He said coaching champions like Messi is actually easy. Messi has been fighting to win since he was five years old. He hates losing – even in training. That winning mindset has helped Argentina a lot.
“Messi understands everything you tell him,” Scaloni said. “You treat him like any other player, but you know he’s special.” He added that Messi never tries to control the team’s tactics or player selections. He only needs teammates who match his level of effort and skill.
Scaloni also feels lucky to have a strong team around Messi, which helps make the whole squad better.
Scaloni’s Memories of Maradona
Even though he picked Messi as the greatest, Scaloni still deeply respects Maradona. He shared a memory from 1993 when Maradona joined Newell’s Old Boys, the same club where Scaloni was a youth player. The young players, including Scaloni, raised flags to welcome the legend.
Scaloni remembered how exciting it was to watch Maradona train. “Everyone stopped to see him,” he said. “He left a mark on Newell’s and on all of us.”
Final Thoughts
Lionel Scaloni clearly admires both Messi and Maradona. He believes they are both legends in different ways. But his close experience working with Messi and seeing his leadership, sacrifice, and love for football made him choose Messi as the greatest of all time.
In the end, fans will always debate who is the best. But whether you support Maradona or Messi, both men gave Argentina unforgettable memories and made the country proud on the world stage.
