Former Paraguay international Jose Luis Felix Chilavert has situated himself firmly on Lionel Messi's side in one of Argentinian football's hottest debates.For his form with the national team, Diego Maradona arguably a more widely adored figure than Messi in their home country of Argentina, but Chilavert isn't having any of it.
"Messi is a genius. The rest of us are on planet earth," Chilavert told TyC Sports. "When he needed help, everyone got behind Messi and Barcelona gave him the contract that he wanted, but the sacrifice Messi and his family made was what made him stronger. He's a leader.
"For many, leading is shouting, insulting, but others like Messi, who can be silent, do the talking in training and in the dressing room. In Argentina, he's given the cold shoulder because he hasn't won a World Cup and they compare him with Maradona. "But Maradona didn't even win one percent of what Messi has won and the excuse they give is that Messi played with Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta and all the rest. When Messi gets on the ball, he has five guys in front of him and he's still winning. Our society is very unfair with Messi.
"People give him a hard time but not the government, who are harming the country and robbing it with taxes. We're athletes. Messi is a leader and people have to understand that football doesn't solve what the government steals."
Cizkmnotz
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World Cup winner vs Zero International Trophy ππ
Zeeeeeeeeeek
408
most people commenting here only watch clips of maradona on YouTube. Maradona was a genius no doubt but Messi....you cannot describe him. Maradona won the WC courtesy of Barachuga's single goal. Messi also dragged Argentina to WC,almost single handedly dragged them to the final and I challenge anybody to deny the fact that Messi did not carry Argentina on his shoulder in the 2014 WC. All this comparison is simply because Higuian,Lavezzi and Palacio who missed several opportunities. I bet Maradona,CR7 who do not know how to hide their feelings would have picked up a serious fight with Higuian in that final. Messi is the greatest of all time for those who understand the game.
Venomxos7
258
Chilavert played during Maradona era.Its obvious he hated Maradona.Can be understood from his lines.
PrimeBattler
106
Actually When you look at the footage on how defenders shades him from scoring it's outstanding. The guy has revolutionized completely the way to defend against him, on the likes of other players that isn't the case. To be honest that's a simple reality.
AntiRacist1992
64
England Fans to Chilavert :: Maradona has achieved more with the "Hand" then Messi overall has ππππ
cubbimoprt
39
i think you are confusing ur brain charge percentage with what maradona out of messis achievement.... messi might be the greatest in this era, but shouldnt discredit what maradona has achieved with napoli , argentina and other teams...and shouldnt have to be with barcelona, all else unnecessary we would ask for messi to achieve the same out in other clubs...
Ekaninyang123
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World Cup winner vs Zero International Trophy ππ
so gotze that won the world cup is now better than Messi now abi? well done Sir
Seedy9
12
Chilavert played during Maradona era.Its obvious he hated Maradona.Can be understood from his lines.
I can feel the hate you have for messi[Sadtolook]
Yokisaga
11
England Fans to Chilavert :: Maradona has achieved more with the "Hand" then Messi overall has ππππ
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So if world cup is what decides individual quality then I think Messi vs CR7 debate is settled... Messi at least played final whole other guy couldn't cross R16
Wuslopry
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World Cup winner vs Zero International Trophy ππ
austin!! i want you to be honest with me is paul pagba and cariem benzima and the likes of grezman a better player in any attacking posation you can think of anyway better than leo messi plz answer becaus i want to know if your honest