Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni Insists Messi Has Eclipsed Maradona As GOAT

• Many feel Lionel Messi's performance at the 2022 World Cup secured his spot as the greatest
• The 35-year-old inspired Argentina to a third world title by beating defending champs France
• However, an Argentine coach and a former defender share varying views on the GOAT debate

Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni feels Lionel Messi has eclipsed the legendary Diego Maradona as the greatest footballer in the history of the sport.

Messi reached hallowed grounds after inspiring Argentina to its third World Cup title, the first since Maradona led La Albiceleste to global triumph in 1986.

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar emerged as the Golden Ball winner in Qatar, scoring seven goals and contributing three assists.

Argentina's World Cup triumph, inspired by Messi, sparked renewed conversations about the position of the 35-year-old among the list of all-time greats.

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But Scaloni, who has been shortlisted for the FIFA Best Coach awards, believes Messi is the 'best in history' ahead of the iconic Maradona, per GOAL.

The Argentina boss was asked to pick between the two in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, and he replied:

"For me, Messi is the best in history. Maradona was great. but with Leo, I have something special."

Zanetti disagrees with Scaloni

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.

The Argentine veteran was pivotal in his country's 2022 World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals during the tournament including finding the net in the final.

However, former La Albiceleste midfielder Zanetti believes the Paris Saint-Germain star is yet to surpass Maradona as Argentina's greatest of all time.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Argentine football legend, Jorge Valdano has compared Maradona's 1986 World Cup success with Messi's recent Mundial achievement.

The PSG forward led Argentina to a sensational tournament 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 many have since found similarities with Maradona's feat with Argentina in 1986.