Scaloni Picks Lionel Messi Over Maradona As the Greatest Footballer

Scaloni Picks Lionel Messi Over Maradona As the Greatest Footballer

Ibitoye Shittu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:23 PM
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  • World Cup winning coach with Argentina Lionel Scaloni has named PSG star Messi as the greatest player
  • Scaloni chose Messi ahead of Diego Maradona even though he explained that the late icon was also great
  • Messi no doubt had a fantastic 2022 as the former Barcelona captain was able to win the World Cup

Lionel Scaloni who is the head coach of the Argentina national team has named Paris Saint-Germain star Messi as the greatest footballer ever rating him ahead of Diego Maradona.

Messi recently led Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar last December beating France in the final, while Maradona led the South Americans to win the 1986 title.

Scaloni, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Argentina
Scaloni picks Lionel Messi over Maradona as the greatest footballer. Photo: Gabriel Bouys
Source: Getty Images

For years, the Messi versus Maradona debate had a clear winner in Argentina, but now, following the former Barcelona captain’s heroics, the scenery has seemingly shifted.

According to the report on ESPN, Scaloni explained that Maradona was a great footballer adding that he will pick Messi anytime.

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Statement made by Scaloni

“For me, Messi is the best in history. Maradona was great. But with Leo, I have something special.”

So far under Scaloni, Messi has played 44 games netting 32 goals including the brace he got against France in the World Cup final.

Scaloni opens to taking up Spain job

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Lionel Scaloni has left his door open to take up the Spain coaching role in the future.

Scaloni, who deems Spain as his second home, guided Argentina to its third World Cup glory after edging France in a pulsating final encounter last month.

While the 42-year-old tactician inspired his nation to glory in Qatar, Spain bowed out of the Mundial against tournament dark horses Morocco at the round-of-16 stage.

In the aftermath of La Roja’s early elimination, manager Luis Enrique stepped down.

With the position currently occupied by Luis de la Fuente, Scaloni was asked whether or not he would be open to filling it in the future.

Scaloni's primary residence is in Mallorca, Spain. He lives there with his wife and children and comes as no surprise he is open to coaching La Roja.

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Ibitoye Shittu
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