Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest football of all time, but throughout his entire career he's struggled to get out of the shadow of Argentinian icon Diego Maradona.
Maradona's heroic performances at the 1986 World Cup are legendary. His individual displays as Argentina lifted the trophy are remembered as some of the most breathtaking in football history.
Messi played a pivotal role in delivering the Copa America for La Albiceleste in 2021 – ending the national team's long 28-year wait for silverware – but he's been unable to emulate Maradona and lead Argentina to the most prestigious trophy of them all.
Qatar 2022 almost certainly presents the 35-year-old's last chance to win the World Cup. Argentina suffered a shock defeat in their opener against Saudi Arabia but have battled through to the semi-finals with Messi in imperious form.
But how does Messi's record for Argentina compare with Maradona's overall? We've taken a look at how the two legendary football compare on the biggest stages of all.
Using data from transfermarkt, we've compared his record at major international tournaments with Diego Maradona's to see who comes out on top.
Lionel Messi
World Cup
Games: 24
Starts: 22
Sub appearances: 2
Goals: 10
Assists: 7
Penalties scored: 2
Minutes per goal: 210.5
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 263.1
Minutes per goal or assist: 123.8
Copa America
Games: 34
Starts: 31
Sub appearances: 3
Goals: 13
Assists: 17
Penalties scored: 3
Minutes per goal: 223.6
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 290.7
Minutes per goal or assist: 96.9
Total
Games: 58
Starts: 53
Sub appearances: 5
Goals: 23
Assists: 24
Penalties scored: 5
Minutes per goal: 217.9
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 278.4
Minutes per goal or assist: 106.4
Trophies won 1 (2021 Copa America)
Diego Maradona
World Cup
Games: 21
Starts: 21
Sub appearances: 0
Goals: 8
Assists: 8
Penalties scored: 0
Minutes per goal: 238.5
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 238.5
Minutes per goal or assist: 119.2
Copa America
Games: 12
Starts: 12
Sub appearances: 0
Goals: 4
Assists: 0
Penalties scored: 1
Minutes per goal: 270
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 360
Minutes per goal or assist: 270
Total
Games: 33
Starts: 33
Sub appearances: 0
Goals: 12
Assists: 8
Penalties scored: 1
Minutes per goal: 249
Minutes per non-penalty goal: 271.6
Minutes per goal or assist: 149.4
Trophies won: 1 (1986 World Cup)
ManUnited-Red
0
ok, show me their statistics coz I don't argue blindly
Ok
GideonAT
0
Maradona is clear of Messi, accept it or cry more
ok, show me their statistics coz I don't argue blindly
ManUnited-Red
0
You are funny
Alright
TheOneAndOnlyJ
0
Just look at the 1986 wc and you’ll see for yourself
You are funny
ManUnited-Red
0
So how do you know that maradona was a good leader?
Just look at the 1986 wc and you’ll see for yourself
TheOneAndOnlyJ
0
I am 17 years old hbu
So how do you know that maradona was a good leader?
Nuulmpry
1
Mesi should be investigated and found out if he used drugs because Maradona was the one who was found after the investigation. FIFA must be aware! and remember the event of maradona.
that a true Brazilian speaking
ManUnited-Red
0
unless you are 50yrs old with 20yrs of experience of watching football don't talk about Maradona
Maradona is clear of Messi, accept it or cry more
ManUnited-Red
0
How old are you?
I am 17 years old hbu
NotAFan
4
GOD ALMIGHTY doesn't LIKE it when we his CHILDREN Compare One ANOTHER...We Are All Differently GIFTED thats WHY we have DIFFERENT FINGER PRINTS coz we're DIFFERENT MAN geez!!!
calosraph
4
honestly Argentina's if not this time have never been appreciative of Messi, that guy has achieved a lot more than Maradona. yes he won WC but never won copa America. messi lost 2014 WC, lost series of Copa trophy and finally God gave him one to cling unto. now on his way to WC glory maybe after this Argentines and all will finally see that, the dude has achieved more than Maradona
GideonAT
0
Maradona is clear of Messi when it comes to true leadership and team player
unless you are 50yrs old with 20yrs of experience of watching football don't talk about Maradona
GideonAT
1
the difference is one was on drugs while the other is not
atyvraj
2
Marodona has 34 international goals whereas Messi has 95 international goals to his name...I am not even going to discuss the club goals and assists... comparing the stats, international pressure, number of rivalries, and trophies/ awards...Messi is way above and beyond Marodona.....
UnusualKing
1
I wouldn’t be to sure with all the other stuff I seen said on this app
Tru bro. You have a point bcuz sometimes I wonder if they're children
Hhhfy
0
I think he's being sarcastic
I wouldn’t be to sure with all the other stuff I seen said on this app
TommyTang
0
In each era, there are the Titans of football. While the LM & CR7 is moving their twilight, new and rising stars are coming like EH & KM, more will come over the next decade. This WC will mark the end of an era and also start of a new era
UnusualKing
1
More nonsense from Madrid fans
I think he's being sarcastic
Koockmpy
0
I love you messi
TheOneAndOnlyJ
0
Maradona is clear of Messi when it comes to true leadership and team player
How old are you?
Hhhfy
1
Mesi should be investigated and found out if he used drugs because Maradona was the one who was found after the investigation. FIFA must be aware! and remember the event of maradona.
More nonsense from Madrid fans
Hunadempz
1
Mesi should be investigated and found out if he used drugs because Maradona was the one who was found after the investigation. FIFA must be aware! and remember the event of maradona.
Tazablpry
0
so Maradona won 1 trophy for agentina??I didn't know,Messi to win WC n then debate is done
3Cassian3Caesar3
6
Respect to Pele and Maradona, but for me personally... I'm living in the era of a 🐐, His name? figure it out 🗽
ManUnited-Red
1
Maradona is clear of Messi when it comes to true leadership and team player
J0yNg
5
Messi the God of Football.
Fihacekry
7
Stop Comparing... Messi never compete with anyone.. Have you ever seen him saying he is the best or number 1. He has ultimate respect for Maradona 🙏.
flourishdee
7
Messi no longer walks in the footsteps of Diego M. but he just left his footsteps into another world of his own. G.O.A.T. 🐐