“They are both geniuses, but.” A former Argentine star explains the similarities and differences between Messi and Maradona

The former star of the Argentine national team, Jorge Valdano, revealed that between his former teammate, legend Diego Maradona, and the current Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, there are many similarities and points of difference as well, in an interview with the Spanish radio "Cadena Kobe" after his country's victory over France in the Qatar World Cup 2022 final. And crowning him as a world champion for the third time in his history.

And according to what was reported by the Spanish newspaper MARCA, Valdano, who won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina alongside Maradona, said, “Diego and Lionel are both geniuses, but the difference lies in the fact that in the 1986 World Cup Mexico, Diego was almost at the beginning of his career at the age of 26, Leo is now 35 years old and he had to show his genius and lead the team wisely."

After Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of regular and extra time tied them 3-3, Jorge Valdano said: “I lived the match more nervously than I was in the final in 1986, because when you play there is less tension and pressure, but on Sunday The tension was huge and unlimited, when you're just watching the game, the emotions are even greater."

Valdano, who was next to Maradona in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, which was the last global coronation for Argentina before the Qatar World Cup, revealed that he spoke to Messi before the start of the current version of the World Cup, and the conversation was interesting with the Paris Saint-Germain star, he said.

Maradona led Argentina to the world title at the age of 26 in the World Cup Mexico 1986 (Getty Images)

He added: “When I interviewed him before the World Cup, I told him away from the camera that he would play in 5 World Cup finals and that no player had ever participated in 6 copies. He told me at the time that this was impossible and said to me, “If I am the 2022 world champion, I will keep my shirt until the next World Cup.” ".

"Football has shown that it is practically impossible to play 6 World Cup finals, but we will see if Messi is really able to play 6 World Cups," Valdano said.