Answers are now being sought as regards Lionel Messi and whether he can truly be given the title of Greatest Player Of All Time after back-to-back underwhelming performances at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.
His counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo has netted four goals already in two matches for Portugal at this year’s world football’s biggest stage which has made Messi’s performances look even terrible.
However, Diego Maradona, the man who inspired Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup and who is regarded as one of the all-time greats across the world, has jumped to Messi’s defense following Croatia’s defeat.
Maradona told reporters after the game: “When I played and had a bad game… [Jorge] Valdano, [Jorge] Burruchaga showed up and had my back. Messi has no one. It’s all on his own.”
Maradona: “When I played and had a bad game… Valdano, Burruchaga showed up and had my back. Messi has no one. It’s all on his own.”
— Джон г. Аранго (@JuanG_Arango) June 21, 2018
Without a doubt, Maradona has dismissed the myth that he won the 1986 World Cup all by himself. No player is capable of doing that.
A star can only shine when the collective balance of the team is accurate and Argentina are a mess right now under Jorge Sampaoli.
I really feel sorry for Messi who may never get another chance to play at a World Cup.
Expectedly, the world-class forward is likely going to announce his retirement from international football after this summer’s tournament.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
