The 2022 World Cup victory saw Lionel Messi become the first Argentine captain since Diego Maradona in 1986 to lift the trophy. It took him 5 attempts to win the coveted prize and frankly, not many expected Argentina to be a major contender after the setbacks of previous years. While not exactly an underdog story, Lionel Messi’s triumph was a truly special moment for soccer fans all around the world. However, as far as an Argentine soccer pundit is concerned, Maradona’s 1986 glory remains no 1 despite the 36-year-old’s goal-scoring consistency.

With 5 Man of the Match awards in 7 games, the Inter Miami star led Argentina from the front in their historic triumph. His performances secured him yet another Golden Ball, thus firmly putting behind the disappointing loss in the 2014 final. Why does Andres Cantor still rank him second?

Maradona’s triumph was preferred above Messi because of ‘four-time failure’

Veteran sports commentator Andres Cantor gave his reasons for preferring Maradona’s achievement over Messi’s. He said, “Diego winning the World Cup in 86 put him, you know, at the top and Messi had failed four times to win the World Cup even though he got to the final in in 2014.” From the looks of it, Maradona’s triumph in just his second World Cup campaign compared to Messi’s 5 attempts has impressed Cantor more. However, he did praise Argentina’s attempt in the 2014 edition despite failing at the final hurdle. Furthermore, the soccer expert made an interesting comparison between the 2 Argentine soccer legends. He said, “Messi hadn’t won the World Cup, but he was consistently the best player for what 20 years which Maradona wasn’t.”

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He also pointed out that El Pibe de Oro never won the UEFA Champions League. Yet, the perception regarding Lionel Messi is changing among Argentines following the Qatar triumph, as per Cantor. He explained, “For Argentinians, he (Maradona) had won the World Cup and Messi could not sit in the same table with Diego until he won the World Cup, now he can”. Although the Lionel Messi-Maradona debate will probably be an eternal one in Argentina, the 36-year-old’s attitude to his former coach has always been one of respect.

Lionel Messi Goes 29 Years Back in Time to Give a Fitting Tribute to Diego Maradona as He Hints at 2026 World Cup Participation

Lionel Messi credits Diego Maradona’s inspiration after the Qatar triumph

After ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for the World Cup, the Argentina captain paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona via social media. He posted a video regarding the historic triumph, and the caption included, “It is also for Diego [Maradona] who encouraged us from heaven.” Lionel Messi also replicated Maradona’s iconic photo of being lifted by his teammates with the trophy raised in his hands.

Previously, he also dedicated the 2021 Copa America triumph to the late star. Even recently, in his 8th Ballon d’Or victory, La Pulga paid tribute to Diego. He said, “Wherever you are, this is also for you. Happy birthday, Diego.” Hence, it truly seems Lionel Messi would have loved Maradona to witness Argentina’s recent triumphs.

Does Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph rank ahead of the 1986 victory? Let us know in the comments below.

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