The relationship between Maradona & Messi: Two legends in eternal comparison

Argentina and the whole world always wanted to compare Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. But the two legends are incomparable: two unique and perhaps unrepeatable geniuses. We review how the relationship between them was.

We have to go to the junction point, because Argentina was able to enjoy them both at the same time. Between 2008 and 2010, Maradona was the coach of Argentina and had Messi at his disposal. There were 24 matches, of which they won 18 and lost six. It all ended abruptly with a very tough defeat at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, losing 4-0 against Germany as the Albiceleste were knocked out at the quarter-final stage.

For 15 years, comparisons have been inevitable. Maradona's iconic goals at the 1986 World Cup against England were emulated by Messi in a Barcelona shirt: against Getafe as he dribbled through opponents from just inside his own half before scoring, and also a handball goal against Espanyol.

Maradona was praised for winning a World Cup with the Argentina national team and making a club like Napoli great, leading them to their first Serie A titles and also helping them to UEFA Cup success. For his part, Messi has managed to stay on top for more than a decade, with a lot of perseverance and achieving all the impossible records in terms of goals.

"Out of respect for Leo I don't say if he's better or I was better," Maradona said of Messi. "You have to leave him alone.

"I love him very much and I enjoy it when I see him on the pitch. He is a good person. But he doesn't have much personality to be a leader."

For his part, Messi spoke about Maradona and recognised his importance.

"I am happy that he speaks well of me, of us," Messi said.

"We know all that he means, what he is to Argentines, and that he supports us fundamentally, because what he says people listen to, and it is good that he is with this group. What he says is sacred word."

There was no friendship between the two, that's true. But there was always respect, admiration and a lot of affection between two legends and the best footballers in history.