Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona? Pope Francis Gives Perfect Answer on GOAT Debate

• Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are two of Argentina's greatest footballers of all time
• Both players helped the South American football powerhouse win the World Cup
• Messi was central to Argentina's World Cup success in Qatar in 2022

Pope Francis has waded into the debate on who between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona is the greatest of all time.

Messi and Maradona are two of the best-ever footballers to emerge from Argentina over the years.

Given their success in football, Goal reports that the duo is often regarded as the most elite players to have ever graced the game.

However, opinion has always remained divided on who between the two is the better player.

Initially, Maradona seemingly had an edge over Messi, considering his success with the national team, whom he helped win the World Cup during his illustrious career.

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Messi has since achieved that feat as well, having played a key role in Argentina's path to glory during the 2022 edition of the global showpiece in Qatar.

The forward's role in that triumph recently helped him secure a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or.

Pope Francis speaks on Messi vs Maradona debate

Messi's success at the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards once again reignited a debate on whether he has effectively cemented his place as the greatest footballer of all time ahead of the likes of Maradona.

Pope Francis, who, like Maradona and Messi, comes from Argentina, was put to task to name the GOAT between the duo.

The pontiff went on to give a brilliant answer to the question, divulging to Rail1:

"I would add a third, Pele."

"They are the three I have followed. All three are great, each with his own speciality. At the moment Messi is very good," he continued.

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Messi's records that won't be broken

Lionel Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d'Or award in Paris on Monday (October 30), adding another distinguished accolade to his already extensive collection of awards.

As the Argentine maestro himself acknowledges the impermanence of achievements, we are left to ponder whether there will ever be someone capable of surpassing his record in winning future Ballon d'Or awards. However, this isn't the only seemingly 'impossible' Messi record.

According to a report by Marca, Sports Brief explored seven additional records that appear insurmountable.