Javier Zanetti: Stop comparing Lionel Messi to Diego Maradona

ByBen Snowball

Updated 09/02/2016 at 10:38 GMT

Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona regularly crop up in the ‘greatest player of all time’ debate, but their Argentine compatriot Javier Zanetti believes the comparison is pointless.

The Barcelona forward has scooped a record five Ballon d’Ors, but has a noticeable absence in his sports cabinet: a World Cup winner’s medal.

By contrast, Maradona led Argentina to a global triumph in 1986 – muddying the dispute for some over who is their nation’s best product.

However, Zanetti insists Messi does not need a World Cup to justify his legacy.

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Leo Messi et Diego Maradona

Image credit: Imago

"I do not understand the comparisons between the two," Zanetti said.

"I think Diego was unique and Messi is doing unique things. What can you say about Messi? A guy who has won five Ballon d'Ors, four Champions Leagues and has scored 97 goals in a year.

"There is no need to win a World Cup to certify that talent.

"Messi is an ambassador of Argentina, and I am also proud of him as an Argentine."

Messi will turn 31 during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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