Messi vs Maradona: Argentina Icon Explains Differences and Similarities

• Jorge Valdano has explained the difference and similarities between Messi and Maradona
• Messi inspired Argentina to their third World Cup title, beating defending champs France
• It was the first time the South American giants claimed the trophy since Maradona in 1986

Argentine football legend, Jorge Valdano has compared Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup success to Lionel Messi's recent Mundial achievement.

Messi led Argentina to a sensational World Cup victory, beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw across 120 minutes.

Messi's encounter with destiny brought an end to La Albiceleste's 36-year wait for global football glory, and has drawn similarities to Diego Maradona's feat with Argentina in 1986.

Addressing the comparison of Messi and Maradona, Valdano - who won the World Cup in 1986 - discussed the similarities and differences between the pair.

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"The similarity between Maradona and Messi is that they are both geniuses. The difference is that in Mexico '86, Diego was in his physical prime (26 years old) and Leo is 35 years old, and he had to bring out his genius and wisdom," Valdano told Cadena COPE via MARCA.

Aside from winning the World Cup, Messi was crowned the player of the tournament on the back of his sterling displays in Qatar.

However, he missed out on the Golden Boot prize to Kylian Mbappe, per the BBC.

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Argentina captain Messi finally won the trophy that has eluded him for his entire football career - the FIFA World Cup.

Argentina defeated France 4-2 via a penalty shootout after a completely ludicrous 120 minutes of football.

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After the South Americans's triumph, a number of footballers took to social media to offer their thoughts on the Messi and Ronaldo debate.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Messi is still not Argentina's greatest footballer ever, according to former player Javier Zanetti.

Messi was pivotal in La Albiceleste's World Cup campaign in Qatar, as he scored seven goals during the tournament.

This number includes 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 Diego Maradona.