Zanetti Explains Why Messi Has Not Surpassed Maradona As Argentina’s GOAT

• Javier Zanetti believes Lionel Messi is yet to outdo Diego Maradona as Argentina's best
• Argentina defeated France to win football's ultimate prize for the first time since 1986
• Messi led the South American country to the final after an opening game shock loss

Lionel Messi's World Cup glory in Qatar is still not enough for him to eclipse Diego Maradona as Argentina's greatest-ever footballer, according to Javier Zanetti.

Messi was pivotal in Argentina's World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals during the tournament.

These goals include a brace he scored on Sunday during the final to end a 36-year drought for the South American country, who last won the ultimate prize in 1986 thanks to Maradona.

While the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's display in the Middle East has secured his spot as the greatest footballer in history in the eyes of many, Zanetti believes the Paris Saint-Germain star is yet to surpass Maradona as Argentina's greatest of all time.

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"No, not for me. I don't like [the] comparison," he told Stats Perform. "We have to be grateful that the two greatest [players] in history are Argentines. I don't think [Messi] has changed."

However, Zanetti did conceded that Messi was more mature and able to better transmit his leadership skills to the rest of the team, Goal also reported.

Argentina beat France

In a thrilling final against France, the veteran striker scored a brace, but the game was forced to penalties following a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes.

His Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe was in sensational form, netting all three goals for France in an epic final.

Despite the Europeans' resilience, Emi Martinez came to the rescue of the South Americans, saving two penalties as Argentina won the game 4-2 after a shootout.

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Messi recreates Maradona's pose

Sports Brief also reported on a video of Messi holding the World Cup trophy as the Argentine captain was hoisted above his teammates, in what will undoubtedly become a legendary moment.

In the case of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, it was his best friend, Sergio Aguero who carried him a

Many were quick to draw comparisons to the Argentina talisman having recreated the pose by the legendary Maradona decades before.

Messi wins best player

Messi has been crowned best player of the World Cup, after leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA title, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The veteran striker netted a brace as the South Americans defeated France on penalties to win their third global football title.

Messi beat Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappe to the top award, while the France forward won the golden boot after netting a hat-trick in the final.