It's a question that has been raised in the past, but seems more relevant than ever as the World Cup final of 2014 approaches. Messi or Maradona, just who can claim to the 'Greatest' ?
Both players have had illustrious careers domestically and internationally. Messi's claims have rightly been questioned up to now given his relative failure to star for Argentina in World Cups, compared to the genius of Maradona in the blue and white shirts at various World Cups. However, Messi has shone brightly at this World Cup earning him several man of the match performances, to supplement his undoubted brilliance for Barcelona in Spain.
Personality wise they seem quite different. Maradona can be outspoken. Earlier this week, his response to Brazil's woes at the hands of Germany was to break into a song sung by Argentinian supporters to mock their South American rivals. His previous misdemeanours have been well documented and challenged. Who can ever forget the 'hand of god' incident that scuppered England's chances in 1986 (although John Barnes' late inclusion from the bench almost bailed them out..another day, another discussion,maybe?), although his mercurial hand in the other goal he scored in that match (albeit outpacing a tiring England team) will similarly stay in the memory.
I well remember similar brilliance when he played for Argentina in 1980 against England at Wembley, my first Live international Football match.
He shone out despite a loss for the then reigning World Champions, one jinking run where he almost scored showed merely a glimmer of his talent.
Messi by contrast usually favours the approach of letting his twinkling feet do his talking on the pitch. His mesmerising displays for Barcelona have become commonplace, but his failure to be able to show a World Cup final win on his CV as of yet, compared to Maradona's two, would seem a gaping 'omission'.
Claiming the win on Sunday would go some way towards bridging the gap, although such past luminaries as Ossie Ardiles suggest that doing so would make him greater than Maradonna.
Personally, I believe that the question will continue on whatever happens and in many respects does it really matter, given that both can be classed as true geniuses on the football pitch and graced with ability that few can possibly aspire to. It was just a privilege to be able to witness their talent on show during my lifetime.
