Yamal is 19 years and six days old. For instance, Pele was exactly 17 years and 249 days old when he won his first FIFA World Cup in 1958. Hence, Pele is still the youngest World Cup winner in history.

Compared to Diego Maradona, who was 25 years and 242 days old when he lifted the World Cup, Yamal has reached the pinnacle of soccer before the legendary Argentine.

As for Lionel Messi, he earned his (first) World Cup title at 35 years and five months old. Out of this prestigious list, he is by far the one that was the oldest to achieve this feat. Hence, Yamal has accomplished soccer’s ultimate feat way before the greatest of all time.

Yamal’s stats during 2026 World Cup final

Lamine Yamal had a good performance in the World Cup, breaking several records. Per SofaScore, Yamal had a 7.3 rating in the final. Yamal had one key pass, one big chance created, completed 32/39 passes in the opposing half, had four shots (two on target), and had five successful dribbles.

Yamal had a big duel all game long against Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico. Yamal got the upper hand in plenty of occasions, but it wasn’t an easy matchup. Still, the fact is at 19 years old, Yamal knows what it’s like to be a World Cup champion. This explains why Yamal is now among the favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Yamal joins Pele and Maradona in specific World Cup final stat

Yamal, Pele, and Maradona all won their first World Cup final. Their first shot at glory was successful. Messi is the whole opposite. Messi lost his first attempt in 2014, then won his second in 2022, only to lose the third one in 2026.

Both finals Messi lost were in extra time. Hence, with some few details going differently, Messi could’ve gone 3-0 in World Cup finals. However, he trails Maradona, who is 1-1 in finals, and Pele who is 3-0 (only played two), and now Yamal, who is 1-0.

O Rei, considered by many as one of the greatest players of all time, is the only player in history to win three World Cups, achieving the feat with Brazil. Maradona, meanwhile, finished his career with Argentina having won a single World Cup title.

Messi has played in three finals across six World Cup tournaments, and he was only able to lift the trophy once, in Qatar 2022. As a result, he missed the chance to move closer to Pele, and it remains to be seen whether there is any possibility that the No. 10 will play in 2030, something that currently appears unlikely.

Pele’s World Cup titles

Pele is the only player in soccer history to win three FIFA World Cups, lifting the trophy in Sweden 1958, Chile 1962, and Mexico 1970. Throughout his legendary tournament career, he scored a total of 12 goals in 14 matches, including a brilliant brace in the 1958 final at just 17 years old and the opening goal in the 1970 final.

Maradona’s lone World Cup triumph

Diego Maradona cemented his status as a soccer legend by leading Argentina to glory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, a tournament defined by his iconic performance against England where he scored both the controversial “Hand of God” and the spectacular “Goal of the Century.”

Four years later, Maradona captained the national team to another final at Italia 1990, where Argentina ultimately finished as runners-up after a narrow and dramatic 1-0 defeat against West Germany.

Another World Cup runner-up finish for Messi

Lionel Messi‘s World Cup final legacy is defined by both heartbreak and ultimate glory. After a painful 1-0 extra-time defeat against Germany at Brazil 2014, Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream at Qatar 2022, leading Argentina to the title in one of the greatest finals ever played.

Four years later, he reached the grand stage once again, finishing as a runner-up at the 2026 World Cup to complete an extraordinary career chapters in the tournament’s history.

Lionel Messi will likely start, and he’d be the only player to do so in three World Cup finals. Maradona played two, in 1986 and 1990. Meanwhile, Pele has three World Cup winning medals, but he only played in 1958 and 1970, as he was injured for the 1962 final matchup. Messi’s record in World Cup finals is also a talking point.

Messi was key for Argentina to reach the 2026 World Cup final, as he provided two assists for the Albiceleste to come back against a tough England side. Cafu is the only player to have participated in three separate World Cup finals, though he didn’t start in all three. He started in 1998 and 2002, and entered the game as a sub in 1994.

Messi could surpass Maradona with a win in another key stat, but still trail Pele

Maradona guided a very depleted Argentina side to the 1990 World Cup final. However, an 85th minute penalty goal by Germany sent the Argentinians home without the trophy. However, a win here would put Messi over Maradona with two World Cup titles.

As for Pele, he has three World Cup titles, so Messi would still leave the United States one short of the Brazilian superstar. Still, Pele won two playing, while the other was on the sidelines. Hence, in that regard Messi could tie him.

Messi would become the second-oldest player to win the World Cup

Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff is the oldest player to win a World Cup. He did it in Spain 1982 at 40 years old. Messi could become the second-oldest winner with 39 years of age, shall Argentina beat Spain in the World Cup final.

Messi has been in a vintage run as he’s scored eight goals and provided four assists en route to the World Cup final. Spain has only conceded once, so he is in for a huge test on July 19th if he wants to give Argentina a fourth World Cup title.

Before the start of this tournament, both Messi and Maradona were tied at the top of this ranking with eight assists. The current captain of La Albiceleste now has nine, adding another record to his remarkable career.

Who completes this important podium? German forward Pierre Littbarski and Polish player Grzegorz Lato, both from different eras, each with seven assists.

Messi’s World Cup assists

Lionel Messi’s nine World Cup assists are spread across the six tournaments he has played while representing the Argentina national team:

• Germany 2006: to Hernan Crespo (6-0 vs Serbia & Montenegro)
• South Africa 2010: to Carlos Tevez (3-1 vs Mexico)
• Brazil 2014: to Angel Di Maria (1-0 vs Switzerland)
• Russia 2018: to Gabriel Mercado and Sergio Aguero (3-4 vs France)
• Qatar 2022: to Enzo Fernandez (2-0 vs Mexico)
• Qatar 2022: to Nahuel Molina (2-2 vs Netherlands)
• Qatar 2022: to Julian Alvarez (3-0 vs Croatia)
• USA, Mexico & Canada 2026: to Cristian Romero (3-2 vs Cape Verde)

Messi’s record looks safe

Lionel Messi has become the all-time assist leader in World Cup history, and that record looks safe in 2026. Croatia international Ivan Perisic was trailing with six assists, but Croatia got eliminated by Portugal in the Round of 16.

36 years separated the title Ruggeri celebrated in Mexico from the trophy Messi lifted at Qatar 2022, which gave Argentina their third World Cup star. Now, Messi and company will be looking to go back to back — something Ruggeri almost did in 1990, when Argentina lost to Germany in a controversial final.

The legendary defender, who had 97 international caps, went on to win two Copa America titles (1991, 1993) and a FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 before retiring from international soccer.

His club career included stints with iconic Argentine teams such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, and San Lorenzo; and most notably, a Real Madrid tenure from 1989-90. Ruggeri also took his talents to Liga MX, playing for Club America from 1992-1993.

Decades later, following an eight-year managerial career and firmly established as a TV analyst and commentator in Argentina, Ruggeri sits down with Bolavip to discuss a wide number of topics.

Ruggeri’s World Cup experience and expectations for 2026

Bolavip: What do World Cup years mean to you? Especially since the 1986 title.

Oscar Ruggeri: Well, special. Special. I walked in here and you guys were around. You didn’t notice, but I didn’t even look at you. I looked at this right here (the World Cup). It’s something… You say “Look at the Cup,” the most beautiful one of all.

When a World Cup starts, with so many teams competing, and (Carlos) Bilardo telling us “look, if we’re not there until the last day it’s a failure,” meaning we had to play the final, and in the final you walk out onto the pitch and the Cup is right there inside, and we couldn’t look at it. We couldn’t touch it, we couldn’t do anything until the match was over.

But World Cup years give me adrenaline, joy… You know, like we start all over again, like we’re just kids. When we head over there, now that we’re going to travel in June, right? When I’m traveling, it’s like I imagine I’m going to play it again. It’s incredible. This is incredible, what these guys are going through right now as well, and with the chance of being serious candidates to repeat, in my opinion.

BV: You recently mentioned that many teams participate. This year, in fact, the World Cup expands to 48 teams. How many changes have you seen in the World Cup from the one you won onwards? Especially in recent years.

Ruggeri: Well, lots of changes in soccer terms, right? For example, we didn’t have VAR, there was nothing. They’d raise the flag, the linesman raised it and it was offside. And if they called you offside, the play was over. That changed a lot. … It also became a huge business, right?

But look, we go around and around and around in terms of number of teams, but it’s always the same ones in the finals, it’s always the same — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes. That’s the reality.

BV: And what does it take to win a World Cup? Many teams participate, only a few manage to win it.

Ruggeri: You need to have a different kind of player, a genius, like the one we have (with Lionel Messi), like the one we had (with Diego Maradona). But that it’s not enough, right? Let me explain. Why isn’t it enough? It’s not enough, because if you don’t have a great team behind those geniuses, who in those tight matches do something different and break the deadlock and you keep going… It just doesn’t work.

“It’s always the same teams in the World Cup finals — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes.”

Because look — Maradona played in four World Cups I think, Messi five (2026 would be his sixth). And we won only two World Cups combined with these two geniuses. So that means the team has a huge responsibility. The team has a great setup, so that these geniuses can function freely.

Argentina’s chances of repeating World Cup title

BV: How do you see the Argentine national team this year? You were just saying you believe they can repeat?

Ruggeri: Yes, yes, I think so. I see them doing well. Do you know what I like? That it’s not just the exact same players from four years ago. There have been replacements and those replacements have played really well.

Honestly, they did it really well in the matches, like Thiago (Almada), like several players, right? And it makes me happy because it means there’s a new generation. Cholo’s son (Giuliano Simeone), who’s doing really well. I still believe that (Angel) Di Maria, in my opinion, they’ll convince him and he’ll end up going to the World Cup.

BV: This year Lionel Messi has the chance to go for back-to-back World Cups. You and Diego came very close to achieving it in 1990. What was it like? How do you experience…

Ruggeri: Well, no, we didn’t “come close,” no… they scammed us. Because it wasn’t a penalty, imagine with the VAR. But you see how quickly I say if we’d had VAR, that German penalty wouldn’t have been given and I don’t know how it would have ended. And if we’d had (Claudio) Cannigia, with everyone fit, I think it would have been a different game.

But then they tell me “What about Diego’s handball?”, right? But what about the goal he scored after that, dribbling past everyone? That’s just how it is.

BV: And from your experience, how do you prepare for a World Cup like that? A World Cup where you go looking to repeat the title, not win it for the first time. It will happen to Messi now.

Ruggeri: Well, it’s like that weight was lifted from them, so now they know what it’s like. And they already know what the final stages are like, everything that’s at stake. In every match you have to get up well because you have to be on point so as not to give any advantage away, because you’re going to face the best, and the best don’t forgive you.

Ruggeri’s 2026 World Cup favorites besides Argentina

BV: Who are the best for you? Who are the other contenders?

Ruggeri: For me, Spain, France, and England — I see very good players in them, I’m not sure about them as a unit — but I’ll still put them in. The Germans. We get frustrated, but somehow, they might not show much early on, and then you see them among the top four. And I think Brazil will improve.

BV: And what do you think about the Finalissima that was canceled against Spain? Do yo think it would have been a good test for Argentina?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. It would have been a good test because they were two of the contenders that the world was going to watch to see what would happen. That Spain team with a midfield that holds the ball a lot and so do we. It would have been beautiful, it would have been great.

“The difference between South American and European soccer? Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do…”

BV: And one of the things that’s always put to the test at World Cups is South American soccer versus European soccer. How do you see that difference?

Ruggeri: Yes, it’s very simple. Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do, and bring all the South Americans back. All the Argentines playing over there, bring them to our championship and see if people don’t start watching this league.

And that’s the reality of South American soccer, because Brazilians, Uruguayans, Paraguayans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Bolivians — there’s everything. I think that makes it even richer.

“I think Brazil will improve. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history”

BV: You recently mentioned Brazil. Do you think they can pull off an upset at the World Cup, despite their situation in the qualifiers?

Ruggeri: I don’t know what you’d call upset, to improve?

BV: To improve.

Ruggeri: I think they’ll improve, yes. Then I’m not sure if they will pull off the big upset. But it’s Brazil. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history. History marks what I said at the beginning. You know, those national teams with a lot of history, they throw all of that to you on the pitch.

Messi at 2026 World Cup

BV: Talking about Lionel Messi, we talked about him before for a bit, how do you see him heading into this World Cup?

Ruggeri: Great, great. This might be his last World Cup. He’ll prepare in the best possible way, I have no doubt about that. And he’ll try to do what he did in the last World Cup, to be the the captain, the leader, to carry the group forward, right? It’s another chance he has to lift the Cup.

They’ve already lived it, and being fortunate that, when the World Cups end, they can go in with the family, they can take photos. I saw them at the last World Cup taking photos with their kids, with the Cup right there inside. We couldn’t see each other because we got swarmed and we couldn’t take a photo.

“Messi moving to the US? Possibly that was also a family decision”

BV: In that sense, do you think it’s something that has improved at World Cups?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. Yes, they’ve improved it a lot. I think that’s a sign of respect for those who’ve become world champions, for their families who’ve suffered so much, who’ve had such a hard time. That, honestly, you have to congratulate everyone, FIFA, everyone.

BV: Getting back to Messi, after he won the Qatar World Cup, he decided to play in the United States. What do you think of him spending the last years of his career in that league?

Ruggeri: More than playing in the US, possibly that was also a family decision, right? To step back a little from what Barcelona was, because it makes sense that he can’t go out, he can’t go out that much in the US either because they already know him, everyone knows him…

BV: And in France he didn’t have a great time.

Ruggeri: In France he didn’t have a great time, but, in the United States I see him walking around the supermarket. You can see he walks around more freely, they don’t mob him, you know? I think that’s possibly what he’s looking for.

Comparisons between Messi and Maradona, Ronaldo, Yamal

BV: What do you think about the comparisons that have always been made with Maradona?

Ruggeri: I don’t think we should make them, because they’re both Argentine, because they’re both geniuses. Comparing geniuses is hard, right? Now, if you ask me personally, I played 11 years with Maradona. I can’t be objective. Ask the guys who played with Messi and they’ll say Messi. But that’s normal and understandable.

Now, we, the people, in the streets, people on television, on the shows, we shouldn’t, we shouldn’t pit them against each other, we shouldn’t compare them, because here we, unfortunately, are living in this world of divisions.

“If another genius comes along after Messi and Maradona, then it means God lives here with us.”

So we put it as “no, Maradona, is like this, and Messi like this” and we immediately take sides, why? If they’re both Argentine, both captains of the Argentine national team who became world champions, let’s make the most of both of them, right?

I mean, look, when Diego was leaving, in those last championships we played, the US World Cup, I thought, “oof, now we need another one like him” and another one came along. If then another comes, it means God lives here with us and is giving us a huge hand.

“Ronaldo is a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.”

BV: And Messi not only suffered, so to speak, the comparisons with Maradona on a historical level, but also current comparisons like with Cristiano Ronaldo. What do you think about it?

Ruggeri: Nothing. It wouldn’t even cross my mind to discuss the subject, because there’s a huge difference between the genius we have and the other one, who is a great player. Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a star. He’s truly a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.

BV: And how do you see Lamine Yamal, who’s also starting to draw comparisons? Especially in Spain.

Ruggeri: Yes, well, he’s a kid who’s just starting out, he’s just beginning. He’s playing well, he needs to come down to earth a bit. He needs to take it a little easy because, I heard him, some statements, saying he was going to be better than Messi. That he was going to win more Ballons d’Or. Why? Do it, once you’ve achieved it, then we’ll say what we see. Right now, he’s not even close to him.

Active Argentine stars

BV: In your position, the Argentine national team today has a key player like Cristian Romero. You played at Real Madrid, do you image him potentially joining that kind of club?

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. If I were Florentino Pérez — I’d go after him, no doubt about it. He’s a fantastic player, a serious player for the position, who formed a great partnership with (Nicolas) Otamendi. Incredible, right? Because you know, we always talk about the attacking side, the ones who decide things, who create plays, who score the goals, everything. But we don’t talk about the defense, right? We talk, but not that much.

But we also had a defense and a goalkeeper… The goalkeeper (Emiliano Martinez) was incredible. Against France, that save with his foot… I was up there, we were done. If it was (Kylian) Mbappe, we were done, but that’s what it means to have a keeper like that. We have two or three great center-backs and we’re in good shape. I think we are doing pretty well, pretty good.

That’s why I dare say we are contenders again, because this team never stopped playing well, right? People asked me about us, we didn’t play like this team after the World Cup. We didn’t play so well like this team, the way these guys play, they play in a certain way, how they manage the ball. Honestly, it’s a pleasure watching them.

BV: Do you think the performances at clubs is completely separate from how they perform for the national team?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely, don’t even doubt it. Remember when it was hard for Argentina to win, to become champions, they were incredible at their clubs and everyone would say “no, but they shine at the club they come to the national team and we don’t win.” I don’t know if you remember.

“We didn’t play like this Argentina team after the World Cup. We didn’t play this well”

At the beginning they said “Messi shines at Barcelona, scores goals left and right. He wins titles, he wins everything, but when he comes to Argentina and nothing”, he even quit the national team. Even Di Maria cried and Di Maria never dropped his guard.

But that’s in the past now. When they get together with the national team, you see freshness, you can see they’re happy, that they’re thrilled to get back together. That’s what I see from the outside. No, I’m not there. I don’t see them personally, but that’s the image they give.

BV: The World Cup could rocket many players’ careers to new heights. It already happened with Enzo Fernandez at the Qatar World Cup…

Ruggeri: Enzo is amazing.

BV: … making the move from Benfica to Chelsea, and now there’s a lot of talk about his future at Chelsea, that he could take yet another step.

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. How that kid has grown, so calmly, so mature. Captain in England! It’s not easy to wear the captain’s armband, these players we have… That guy is a man, you know? He plays in a simple, clean way.

We have a midfield, we don’t talk about the midfield enough, we have a great midfield too, right? They manage the ball brilliantly, no rush. They play with calm. If it’s not on, they go back. Start again. We are well balanced.

“Julian Alvarez has no ceiling.”

BV: Another player also involved in transfer rumors because of his great level is Julian Alvarez, who is at Atletico Madrid with Simeone…

Ruggeri: I love Julian.

BV: There’s talk that Barcelona want him, or that he could go back to the Premier League, where he already played with Manchester City. What do you think? Should he stay with Simeone?

Ruggeri: I’d like him to stay with “Cholo” (Simeone), because “Cholo” knows him, he knows what the kid is like, the kid has no ceiling and can play anywhere. That’s for sure.

Those are the kind of strikers that as a defender I’d dread facing because you can’t pin him down. He shows up on the right, on the left. You can’t track him like those classic number nines, like (Erling) Haaland who plant themselves there. He’s a goal scorer, but Julian comes from deep. He strikes the ball very well. Did you see his goals?

BV: Yes, he also takes free kicks.

Ruggeri: He takes free kicks. Though I think if there’s a free kick, I don’t think he’ll be getting near the ball with the captain (Messi) around. I think he’ll tell him “go out of there for the rebound,” but it’s another option we have, of course.

BV: Argentina also have Lautaro Martinez, it’s like they have the luck of having top strikers.

Ruggeri: And the strikers who’ve come through now! I honestly didn’t know them. This coaching staff handles even those things very well. Nobody slips past them. When there’s someone who is doing things right, they go watch him and bring him in.

Lionel Scaloni’s job with Argentina

BV: Do you think that has been Lionel Scaloni‘s greatest strength in his process, identifying players? Because he rebuilt the squad after Russia 2018.

Ruggeri: Yes, yes. Because Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him and he did everything right. He has a coaching staff that knows soccer. They all played for the national team. With a very low profile.

Because look, if I ask you, tell me what (Roberto) Ayala’s voice sounds like, you don’t know. Same for (Walter) Samuel, you don’t know how he talks, he says nothing, (Pablo) Aimar even less. I mean, look at the three I’m naming. Three elite national team players with a very low profile, they’re doing a very good job.

“Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him”

BV: Yes, there’s a joint effort with Diego Placente (Argentina U20 manager) and the youth teams.

Ruggeri: Everyone, everyone, of course, Placente watches them, he must tell them “Look, there’s a kid like this, who moves this way.” They must work in a similar way. It’s very good, everything is very well put together. We’re in good shape.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR RUGGERI ON BOLAVIP US:

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibrahimovic explained why he chose those three names, backing his choices with thoughtful arguments. “In my opinion, Ronaldo ‘The Phenomenon’ Nazario — he was soccer. He’s the kind of player you want to imitate,” said Zlatan, referring to the Brazilian icon as his biggest inspiration.

“I’ll give the second position to Maradona. For me, he was a real one — he did everything with his heart, with his emotions,” Ibrahimovic added, placing the Argentine legend second while emphasizing the qualities he admires most.

“For the third, I’m going to say Messi. He’s won… I’m not sure there’s anything left for him to win,” Zlatan said, putting his former Barcelona teammate in third place. It’s a list that makes sense in the world of Zlatan — full of respect for the game’s greats but still surprising for its omission of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ibrahimovic’s long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo

One reason behind Ronaldo’s absence could be Ibrahimovic’s long-running rivalry with him. The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic was defined less by on-field clashes and more by a war of words — fueled by both players’ immense egos and unshakable self-belief.

Zlatan, famous for his bold statements, has often tried to downplay Ronaldo’s greatness, suggesting that while he succeeded in multiple leagues, Ronaldo’s achievements at Real Madrid and Juventus were made easier by the world-class players surrounding him.

Despite their rivalry, the two shared memorable on-field duels — especially in Serie A and international competitions. The most iconic came during the 2014 World Cup playoffs, when Ronaldo’s hat trick in the second leg eliminated Zlatan’s Sweden. Even then, Ibrahimovic showed respect for his rival, acknowledging the Portuguese star’s brilliance with a simple but meaningful gesture.

The mix of traits that define Zlatan’s idols

Looking at his selections, it’s easy to see why these three legends resonate with Ibrahimovic. He has often called Ronaldo Nazario his biggest role model, and despite his towering frame, Zlatan has shown flashes of the Brazilian’s flair and creativity inside the box. Maradona’s passion, grit, and touch of arrogance mirror Zlatan’s own mentality, while Messi represents the ultimate example of excellence and consistency — the kind of success every player dreams of achieving.

True to his humble nature, Di Maria did not include himself among the five greatest soccer players in Argentina’s history. Speaking with La Nacion, he was clear about his choices: “For me it’s Messi, Maradona, Kempes, those are the top three. I think Passarella would be one of them. And then I believe De Paul, who has been a fundamental piece for everything this national team has accomplished.”

The inclusion of Rodrigo De Paul came as a surprise when listed alongside Messi and Maradona. But Di Maria explained just how important the Inter Miami midfielder has been for the Scaloneta. “The life he has given back to the team! As they say, he’s not only the engine on the field but also off it. Within the group, in the friendships, in that positive atmosphere. Without wearing the armband, he is a captain.”

Even without naming himself, there is little doubt Di Maria is one of Argentina’s most beloved idols. His goals in major finals — against Nigeria in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Brazil in the 2021 Copa America, Italy in the 2022 Finalissima, and France in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — cement his legacy right alongside Maradona and Messi.

De Paul responds to Di Maria’s praise

De Paul’s spot on the list sparked plenty of debate, especially since it placed him above other legends who had a massive impact on Argentina, such as Gabriel Batistuta. Still, it speaks to the key role he has played in this World Cup-winning generation, much of which fans and followers may not fully see from the outside.

Acknowledging Di Maria’s words, De Paul shared his gratitude on Instagram: “How powerful it is that you say this, and that you have the humility to not include yourself — the man of the goals in every final.” Di Maria responded on the same platform: “Love you. Keep enjoying.”

Di Maria hopes to see Messi at the World Cup

At the same time, Di Maria used the weight of his voice to call for Messi to be part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“Whatever condition he’s in, Leo has to play the World Cup. It’s him, and he makes the national team keep growing while giving people belief. It’s him. It’s like when Diego was around. It’s them, and there’s no one else like them. They’re from another planet, not from here. We have to keep enjoying him, and hopefully Leo arrives in the best possible shape,” Di Maria said.

Sergio Goycochea gave an interview to Diario AS in which he was asked about comparisons between the two Argentine superstars. “For me, it’s Messi and Maradona, not Messi or Maradona,” he began, making it clear that he doesn’t view one as superior to the other.

“It’s an uneven analysis,” admitted the former goalkeeper. “In Diego’s case, I have firsthand knowledge that I don’t have with Messi. I analyze Leo as a journalist,” he added. That’s because Goycochea was a longtime teammate of Maradona — a bond he never had with Messi.

“In terms of pure soccer, both are marvelous. They each have incredible intelligence and mental speed,” Sergio explained, before pointing out one advantage Messi held stylistically. “Leo had — and I say had, because time passes for everyone — a slightly more explosive first step.”

Goycochea was referring to how Messi, in his prime, had the ability to explode over short distances, which gave him an edge in dribbling past defenders. Maradona, by contrast, lacked that same burst due to his physical build but compensated with arguably unmatched ball control.

Another key difference between Messi and Maradona

Continuing the comparison, Goycochea also highlighted a major difference not directly related to on-field play, but still influential. “There are also personality differences,” he noted. “One was more flamboyant (Maradona), the other more low-profile (Messi)… which isn’t better or worse.”

To wrap up his thoughts, Sergio delivered a powerful message about the impact both stars have had: “I was lucky enough to play with one and enjoy it. I enjoyed the other as a fan and journalist. I’d say this to Argentinians: remember this moment — we don’t know how long it’ll be before the world once again says the best player is Argentine.”

Who is Sergio Goycochea?

Goycochea is a former Argentine goalkeeper who played professionally from 1979 to 1999 with clubs including River Plate, Racing Club, and Newell’s Old Boys. He joined the Argentina national team in 1987, one year after their World Cup triumph in Mexico, and entered the 1990 World Cup in Italy as a backup.

However, after starting goalkeeper Nery Pumpido suffered a serious injury in Argentina’s second match against the Soviet Union, Goycochea stepped in and made the most of his chance. He became a national hero during that World Cup, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s penalty shootout wins over Yugoslavia in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semifinals.

Although Argentina lost the final to Germany, Goycochea cemented his place as a team icon — a legacy further enhanced by his role in Argentina’s titles at the 1991 Copa America, 1992 Confederations Cup, and 1993 Copa America.

The 66-year-old Italian, who has faced or coached a lot of great players over his storied career, offered a thoughtful and measured response during an interview with CONMEBOL.

“I can’t say definitively because Pele belongs to a different generation. What Pele achieved in his career—on top of the World Cups he won—was something truly special,” Ancelotti explained.

“The others have been spectacular players. Starting with Ronaldo, whom I had the good fortune to coach, to Messi, whom I’ve seen, and all the others,” he continued. “But it’s difficult to choose. Based on what he achieved in his career, I believe Pele deserves first place”.

While Ancelotti didn’t provide an official ranking, his comments made it clear that Pele’s legacy—highlighted by three World Cup titles and his place among the game’s all-time top scorers—sets him apart in the GOAT conversation.

Ancelotti reflects on coaching Ronaldo Nazario

Later in the interview, Ancelotti was shown photos of himself with former Brazilian stars he coached during his time at AC Milan, including Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario.

While he praised Ronaldinho’s technical brilliance, Ancelotti made it clear who he believed was on another level. “Ronaldinho was spectacular because of his talent. In terms of pure talent, ‘Rony’ was one of the greatest. But the greatest is this one—Ronaldo. In every sense, now,” Ancelotti said. “We had a great time together, unfortunately not for very long because he got injured, but I have very fond memories of Ronaldo”.

This isn’t the first time Ancelotti has praised Ronaldo. Upon his arrival in Brazil, the former Real Madrid manager told Globo Esporte that Ronaldo was the most talented player he had ever coached. “Technically, he was spectacular and one of the funniest people in the world,” Ancelotti added.

He also mentioned several other Brazilian players who left an impression on him throughout his career. “The most professional would be Cafu. And the funniest… There are a lot. Eder Militao makes me laugh a lot, and Vinicius Junior as well,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to play against both, Messi and Diego,” said Alessandro Costacurta in a recent interview with Sky Sports. “They’re similar in their genius and the way they express themselves on the field, but Messi is more of a genius than Maradona.”

Costacurta began his professional career in 1987 and was a contemporary of Diego at his peak. The Argentine attacking midfielder was dazzling at Napoli, who won their first Serie A title that same year. The following season, AC Milan took the crown, pushing Maradona’s team into second place.

“We could commit 66 fouls on Diego before getting a yellow card,” Alessandro recalled, referencing a time before VAR, when referees were far more lenient with physical—and sometimes brutal—play. “With Leo it’s different. Soccer today is something else.”

Costacurta recalls his first clash with Messi

Alessandro Costacurta enjoyed a 20-year professional career, which allowed him to face off against multiple generations of talent—including both Maradona and Messi. In the same interview, the former Italian defender shared a vivid memory of his first encounter with Lionel.

“I faced Messi when he was only 16 years old. At first, I saw him as a kid and did whatever I wanted. But after fifteen minutes, I had to ask (coach Carlo) Ancelotti to sub me out,” Costacurta recalled, making it clear that even at a young age, the Argentine forward was a nightmare for defenders.

Who is Alessandro Costacurta?

Italian soccer entered one of its golden eras during the 1980s and early 1990s. During that time, the world’s top players chose Serie A as their destination, allowing Italian fans to witness stars like Diego Maradona, Michel Platini, Zico, and Marco van Basten. It was in this elite environment that Alessandro Costacurta launched his career.

The defender came up through AC Milan’s academy in 1987, though he spent his first professional season on loan at third-division club Monza. After returning to the Italian giants, he remained at Milan until his retirement in 2007. Over two decades, he captured five Champions League titles, seven Serie A championships, and two Intercontinental Cups.

Costacurta also had a notable run with the Italian national team, debuting in 1991 at age 25. He featured in Euro 1996 and played in two World Cups—USA 1994 (where Italy were runners-up) and France 1998, where the team reached the quarterfinals.

Mohamed Salah gave an interview to the French media L’Equipe. During the segment, he had to choose the player with the best left foot among several options. The dynamic progressed until only two names remained: Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. In the end, the Egyptian forward picked Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi over the Argentine legend.

In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Mohamed Salah showed his deep admiration for Argentine soccer. He said that apart from Alexis Mac Allister, he loves Lionel Messi. In addition, he talked about Gabriel Batistuta. He met the legendary striker during a trip to Argentina and asked him to sign a shirt. That moment left a lasting impression on him. Salah’s bond with Argentina has always been strong. However, his good relationship with Mac Allister has brought these comments back into the spotlight.

Lionel Messi is still going strong in soccer. With 37 years old, he has played 14 games this season with Inter Miami. In these matches, he has scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists. Moreover, he has kept his spot in the starting lineup, which proves that age is just a number. Meanwhile, speculation continues about his possible retirement before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, both players and coaches support the idea of him staying for this important tournament.

Lionel Messi still has a chance to break major MLS and FIFA World Cup records

Whether Lionel Messi decide to extend his playing career through 2026, the Argentine legend would be in position to shatter several high-profile records in both Major League Soccer and the FIFA World Cup.

In MLS, he could surpass Carlos Vela’s 2019 record of 34 goals in a single season with Inter Miami. Besides, he could break Carlos Valderrama’s all-time assist record, which stands at 26 in one season. Moreover, he has the chance to equal or beat Clint Mathis’ record of five goals in a single MLS game.

His impact could go beyond league play. On the global stage, Lionel Messi could also make World Cup history. He is 37 years old and has already played in five editions of the tournament (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.) He has scored 13 goals so far in the competition. Because of that, he is just four goals behind World Cup legends Gerd Muller, Ronaldo, and Miroslav Klose. If he plays in 2026, he could become the first player ever to appear in six World Cups.