Lionel Messi’s 22-year career as a professional has fueled an ongoing debate over who is the greatest soccer player in Argentina’s history, Messi or Diego Armando Maradona. This discussion seems endless, with arguments based on goals, titles, leadership, and overall impact. However, one coach holds a unique perspective. Alfio “Coco” Basile, the only manager to have coached both Maradona and Messi, offered a brief analysis of their differences.
“They are monsters. They do anything anywhere, they hit like gods, they dribble. Messi was just a little bit faster. Maradona was a team leader and Messi wasn’t at the beginning. He was a crack at playing, but he was just another player. He didn’t talk. I told him you have to talk, you have to ask for it. Now he does. But before he didn’t talk. The only thing he did was play soccer. And Diego managed everything, he hit everyone, the opponents, another personality,” said Alfio Basile on Argentine Public Television in 2023.
On one hand, Lionel Messi has evolved significantly throughout his career, becoming a more vocal and active leader. Over the years, he transitioned from a fast, goal-scoring right winger to a complete footballer. This evolution has drawn even more comparisons to Diego Maradona, as Messi’s style became more similar to that of the Argentine legend.
On the other hand, Diego Maradona was a playmaker from the start of his career, focusing more on creating chances than playing as a winger or striker. Beyond his skill, Maradona was a natural leader. His vocal presence stood out from the beginning, setting him apart as a captain who defended and inspired his teammates.
Diego Maradona head coach of Argentina talks with Lionel Messi of Argentina as they celebrate victory after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group B match between Argentina and South Korea at Soccer City Stadium on June 17, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Is the comparison between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona unfair?
Without Diego Armando Maradona, there would probably be no Lionel Messi. For Maradona was one of Lionel Messi’s role models. Besides, they played in different eras and never had the chance to compete directly. Maradona’s era was far more physical, with players enduring frequent rough challenges. He played in a time when refereeing was less protective, exposing him to constant fouls.
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In contrast, Messi’s era features greater tactical discipline, making it much harder to break through defenses. Despite these challenges, Messi managed to dominate the game for over 20 years, proving his greatness in a different way.
Despite the challenges of their respective eras, both Messi and Maradona rose to the top, leading and dominating world soccer. Each carried the Argentine national team to greatness, ultimately winning the FIFA World Cup. Had the Ballon d’Or been awarded to all players during Maradona’s era, he likely would have won multiple times. Comparing them may be unfair, as both deserve recognition for shining in their own generations despite the unique difficulties they faced.
