Not Maradona: Premier League star Mohamed Salah names the greatest left-footed player in history

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title for the second time this decade, and much of the credit goes to Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star leads the league with 28 goals, and only three matches remain in the season. Moreover, this campaign stands out because Salah has become a more complete player. In addition to scoring, he now plays a key role in the build-up. In a recent interview, the 31-year-old revealed who he believes has the best left foot in football history. Surprisingly, though, it is not Diego Maradona.

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 #10 of Inter Miami CF leaves the pitch after winning the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium on May 03, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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.

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Mo Salah wins second Premier League title with Liverpool: How many has Ronaldo won with Manchester United?

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.