Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona, It’s always a debatable topic for both fans to decide who is the greatest of all time. In this post, we will decide which of the two Argentine is the best of all time?

It’s almost impossible for any fans to decide who is the best player. So we thought of analyzing and comparing both legends on the basis of stats and figures and judging them on different factors to understand who is the best.

Diego Maradona is the greatest Argentine player. There is no comparison of Argentine legend(Diego Maradona) and then Lionel Messi came along and changed everything.

Comparing the two legends of different eras is quite difficult for anyone. We have done some extensive work and gather some useful information. Let’s check out this ultimate guide to understand which Argentine international should be analyzed as the better player. 

Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona(Trophies and Personal Accolades)

If you go with the numbers, Messi is way ahead of Maradona. Messi has won 10 league titles while on the other side Maradona has 3 league titles. He has a total of 24 domestic trophies while Maradona had 8. Messi has not influential as much as Maradona for his national side. Messi has never won any international trophy while Maradona single-handedly led Argentina to the World Cup.

It is unfair to compare Maradona with Messi in terms of individual accolades. Maradona was the best player of his generation but he was not qualified for football’s most prestigious award until 1995. It was only for European players until 1995 after that it was expanded to become open for any player at a European club.

Fifa World Player of the Year came into existence after 1991. So Maradona is not a part of this award until he was 31. While Messi has won a record-breaking six Ballons d’Or overtaking Ronaldo and 2 Fifa best player award in his career.

Furthermore, Messi has won the La Liga Best Player award eight times. However, the Serie A best player award was not originated until 1997.

The similarity between the two players are they both have won Fifa World Cup Golden Ball. The biggest accomplishment of Maradona was winning Fifa Player of the Century in 2000.

Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona(Goalscoring)

In the goal-scoring department, Leo again is ahead of Maradona. We will not see any better goalscorer than Messi again. Messi has been the most consistent player in the history of football. He has scored 638 goals in 740 appearances for Barcelona.

There is no doubt about Maradona’s goal-scoring ability. He is known for his dribbling skills. He scored 259 goals at the club level.

Messi Overall goals for the club and the country is way ahead of Maradona. He has scored more than 700 goals for club and country with Maradona’s 300. Messi has won six European Golden Shoes. Leo is the highest goalscorer for his club and country. He also broke the record of Gerd Muller for the most goals scored in a calendar year (91).

Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona(Tenure)

Both Maradona and Messi are above the rest in the early stage of their career. Maradona was more dominant than Messi at a younger age. He got the national call up at the teenage of 16 and till 20 he has amazed the world with his talent scoring 100 goals at senior level.

Messi started playing for Barcelona at 17 and got the argentine cap at 18. He has started showing what he is capable of when he scored the hat trick against the mighty Real Madrid at an age of 19.

After reaching 30 both players become the legend of the game. Messi has broken almost all records and won the sixth Ballon d’Or. While Maradona’s footballing career started to downfall after 30. He suffered an injury in his late-career which almost finished his career in Argentina.

Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona(Flexibility)

Messi has been the legend of the game while playing for a single club Barcelona. There is no other player who is more dominant than Messi for a single club in the history of the game. He has done it for more than 10 years for Barcelona.

While Messi has settled in Barcelona and has no desire to leave his club. Maradona was a more flexible player and been consistent for the different clubs winning multiple trophies with three different teams.

Dribbling

I think when we talk about the dribbles we have to talk about both Argentine legends. They are the top 2 best dribbles of all time. Dribbling is the most difficult skill in football and both Messi and Maradona have done it with ease. Both are known for his natural dribbling skills. Both players can torture any defense with their insane dribbling skills.

Maradona was completely unstoppable against the England team in the world cup 1986. His solo goal against England was said to be one of the best goals of all time. He had torn the midfield and the defense of England with his close control.

All-round capability

Talking about the consistency, goalscoring, longevity, and all-around capability Messi had done far better as compared to Maradona.

If we see the fitness, skills, and professionalism of this generation player as compared to the 1980s and 90s there is a major gap. So I think it quite difficult for any player to score goals against the top defenders of this generation and Messi has done it for so long. In this aspect, Messi has an edge over Maradona. 

International Criterion

One of the biggest Achievement of Maradona is winning the World Cup for Argentina. Messi has criticized a lot in the past for not winning any international trophy with the national team. Fans believe that Messi is not the same player when he used to play with Argentina. That’s not quite true, scoring more than 70 goals and the highest goalscorer for his country is something everybody will not achieve.

Though Messi is a star player in Argentina, his performance in the World cup is poor. He has never scored any goal other than the group stage despite being part of the four world cup. But we never forget the Messi has reached the World cup final in 2014 giving some memorable performance for his team.

Maradona on the other side is an Argentina star. Argentina fans always rated Maradona ahead of Messi. Maradona was the dominant force in the 1986 world cup scoring five goals and recorded five assists as he inspired Argentina to a world cup win in 1986.

Messi also fell short on multiple occasions of winning Copa America for his country. He had been a part of five Copa America appearances, scoring knockout goals only on two occasions and falling short in all three losing finals.

Maradona’s performance is so remarkable in the world cup many, believe it was the finest individual performance of any player in the history of the world cup. His breathtaking doubles against England and Belgium in the knockout stage and a late assist for Jorge Burruchaga’s in the final shows the mental strength of a player in big games. He also played an integral part in taking Argentina to the world cup final in 1990.

Big Games

While Messi is not able to show the performance for Argentina when it really matters, his records and scoring in the big games for Barcelona cant be compared to anyone.

He is one of the players who always been there for Barcelona when the stage is big. He has scored 2 Champions League final goal which is the most for any player in the history including some big names like Raul Gonzalez and Daniele Massaro.

Messi is the player with the most assists(14) in the knockout stages of the Champions League. He is also the top scorer in El Clasico with remarkable 26 Clasico goals.

On the other side, Maradona’s big game display can’t be ignored. He is the most influential player for his club. He always scored for the team at the club level when it needed the most. His memorable performance against Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Stuttgart will not be forgotten at any time soon. He led the team to UEFA Cup glory in 1989 which is the most difficult competition than the Champions League at that time. He helped Napoli to win another league title in 1990.

Leadership

I don’t think it needs any clarifications in terms of leadership. Maradona with Pele is one of those players who inspired the generation to play the beautiful game. His influence at the club and national level are still incomparable. Messi was lacking leadership skills in Argentina.

Eric Cantona said earlier “Some say Pele was the greatest player of all time, but not me. Maradona will always be the greatest. He won World Cup in 1986, narrowly lost in the final in 1990, and then in 1994 maybe would have won it again had he not been banned. The crucial difference with Pele is that Maradona wasn’t surrounded by great players; he had to carry the team himself. If you took Maradona out of Argentina they would not win the World Cup, but I think Brazil without Pele would still have won.” 

Sir Bobby Robson stated “A genius, a real artist, one of the greatest players in the world. He could win a match on his own. On his own.” 

Club accomplishments

Messi has won four Champions Leagues and broken multiple records in Barcelona. His club accomplishment is just insane and compared to none. While Maradona was a part of two seasons scoring 2 goals in 6 appearances.

But it is unfair to compare Maradona with Messi, as only the winners of their domestic leagues fitted for a European Cup qualification. Maradona sparks Napoli to success in the Uefa Cup, which is his biggest achievement at the club level due to the presence of each league’s top teams in the competition.

Maradona has won 1 world cup, 1 UEFA cup, 1 Italian Cup, 1 Italian super cup, and a 2 time Italian Champion. The trophy haul is something you have to give credit to the Argentine legend.

Though Messi’s trophy list is just out of this world at the club level. During his whole career in Barcelona, he has won ten La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey, 8 Spanish super cups and 3 club world cup, 3 UEFA super cup, and four Champions Leagues.

Overall Impact

I think both players have a massive impact on their clubs and country. Both are the legends of the game. It’s unfair to come up with a resolution. They both have inspired the generation of the players and each had a huge impact on world football.

It feels that Maradona had been a great leader, but was less decorated. While Messi scored more goals and won multiple trophies, but always fall short with the national team and criticized a lot for his leadership skill.

Maradona has been a greater role model in Argentina. He is remembered for his heroics at the biggest stage i.e world cup.

While Messi, on the other side not been a fan favorite in Argentina. If we talk about longevity and consistency for a longer period of time it would be Messi who has maintained his fitness and consistently performed during his career. Although Maradona more ahead than Messi in terms of Mentality.

So comparing the two on different parameters I think the best players of different eras can’t be compared to each other. Best players are always been the best in any era they play.

Let’s just enjoy the game of both legends!

Ranking the fastest football players in the world. Let’s check out the post to understand and reveal the insane and top speed of every player.

Football is a physical sport, it needs a lot of effort on the pitch. We have seen great players working on their physique and spending a lot of hours in the training field to improve their speed which helps them, past opponents.

Modern football is now all about pace. It demands lightning speed at every position of the game, either it’s an attack, midfield, or defense. Quick players play a pivotal role in the team during the press and counter-attack.

we have seen a lot of players with blistering pace which helps them to tackle one on one situations. Players with speed can be very helpful in attack to pass defenders and build a game for other players.

Let’s find out the fastest football players in the world and their insane speed:-

10. Leroy Sane – 35.08 kmph

Sane is one of the top speedsters in world football.

He is well known for his blistering pace and insane dribbling. He possesses the ability to beat any defender with his quick feet. Sane has always been a top performer for both Schalke 04 and former Premier League champions Manchester City. Leroy Sane now is a part of Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich and will add value to their squad. Leroy Sane is our pick for number 10 in the list of fastest football players in the world.

Sane will be an advantage for the team playing alongside Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman, and Serge Gnabry. Sane can crack top speeds of 35 kmph which we have already seen in the Premier League.

9. Kyle Walker – 35.24 kmph

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker is just ahead of Leroy Sane in terms of top speed. Walker is in the ninth spot on our fastest football player in the world list. Manchester City defender recorded a speed of 35 kmph and his speed runs helped the team to play a possession game that Guardiola wants on the field.

Though Walker plays as a right-back for Manchester City but his dazzling runs from the right side always been a problem for the opposing team. His speed and his presence during build-up play proven very effective for the city in every big game and tournaments.

8. Karim Bellarabi – 35.38 kmph

Bayer Leverkusen’s Karim Bellarabi is just phenomenal for the team with his quick runs. Karim is just like a top pacy winger who can create a serious threat to any opposing team. Bellarbi is in the 8th spot in the fastest football player on the world list. Bellarbi is on number 8 in the list of fastest football players in the world.

Bellarabi’s mostly played as a winger during his career. He is effective in the same way when he played as a midfielder who act more as an attacker. Bellarabi is well known for using his speed to tackle players. He played a vital role in the recent success of Leverkusen. He scored the fastest goal in Bundesliga history just in 9 seconds, on the opening match of the 2014–15 season.

7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 35.55 kmph

Aubameyang is a consistent performer in the Premier League and one of the top players for Arsenal. He is one of the few strikers who can exploit any defense with his speed. He has been exceptional for Dortmund and now he is doing the same with Arsenal. Aubameyang is one of the most consistent players for Arsenal and nobody can doubt his goalscoring ability.

Aubameyang’s quick feet, ball control, and finishing is top-notch. He has used his lightning speed to score a lot of goals for his club and the country.

6. Inaki Williams – 35.62 kmph

Inaki Williams is a player who is well known for his speed. He is the most agile footballer from the Spanish League and one of the fastest players in the footballing world. Inaki hit a top speed of 35.62 kmph which is quiet enough to beat any defender in the world. He is known for his great stamina and determination.

Inaki is not only a pacy attacker but he is also capable to dribble past any defenders. He is the most important asset for Athletic Bilbao’s team. He has become the most involved player in the team’s gameplay.

5. Erling Haaland – 36.04 kmph

Erling Haland needs no introduction in world football. He has shown everyone in the last season what he is capable of. Haaland was a top player in the previous season for Dortmund in both Bundesliga and Champions League. Haaland started this season with a bang and scored 5 goals out of 5 appearances.

He is the most lethal and complete attacker, a typical goal poacher. His goalscoring ability with incredible speed could be a problem for any opposing team. But, Haaland has proved to be one of the fast runners on the field clocking speeds up to 33-35 kmph on regular basis. Haaland top speed is 36.04 kmph this season.

4. Kylian Mbappe – 36.08 kmph

Kylian Mbappe is said to be one of the top contenders of Ballon D’or in the upcoming future. He truly a gem for any team. His consistent goal scoring and his speed already created havoc on the field. He has shown some excellent performance on big stages including the world cup and Champions League. The PSG winger has consistently clocked 36 kmph. He has shown that in the world cup and the league matches.

He has not only lethal with his speed he is an excellent dribbler as well. Mbappe always made a difference for the team across Europe.

3. Adama Traore – 36.25 kmph

Adama Traore can be perfectly said as a beast with a speed. He has an excellent physique and breathtaking speed. The winger is known for his power and his blazing runs. His quick speed makes him the hottest topic on the Premier League.

The player tasted success with Wolves in the Premier League and he is one of the players who can beat anyone in 1 on 1 situation.

2. Achraf Hakimi – 36.48 kmph

Achraf Hakimi is the kind of player who can be quite effective at surprising anyone with his speed. Hakimi is a complete full-back who had been very effective against the quick players. He also plays as a right midfielder for his current team Inter Milan.

Hakimi is known for his top-notch speed and quick movements. He has become a great addition for Inter Milan and a favorite for his coach Antonio Conte. Conte used his speed for counter-attacking football.

Hakimi consistently clocked 36.5 kmph, which would be the fastest speed you can see on any player on the field.

1. Alphonso Davies – 36.51 kmph

Alphonso Davies has been the wonder-kid of 2020. Davies is merely 19 years old and already won the 2 Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. He has been excellent for his team Bayern Munich who has won the Treble last season. Alphonso Davies tops in the fastest football players in the world list.

Alphonso’s speed is thrilling to watch. His blazing runs on the wing side can cause serious problems for my team. Davies is excellent with his defensive skills as well. his pacy runs are very effective for counter-attack as well. His defensive skills, speed, and dribbling talent make him a complete player on the field.

He already made his name in the footballing world at every young age and he still has a lot to offer.

Jose Mourinho is confident that Tottenham will place a new contract with Son Heung Min.

Jose Mourinho is assured that Tottenham can present a new contract to Son Heung-min despite the South Korean international already having a contract till 2023.

Last time Son renewed his terms in the summer of 2018 when he extended his contact for 5 more years.

Since renewing his contract he has shown excellent growth as a footballer and became the main man for Tottenham Hotspur.

Paperwork has prepared and it just needs Son’s signature in order to extend his stay at Tottenham.

Mourinho believes a resolute update will be given in the near future. He is looking forward to keeping the South Korean in his team as long as possible.

Mourinho told reporters when questioned about the new contract being agreed: “I would love that.

“Son has three years of contract so it’s not like we’re in an extreme situation of everybody being worried. 

“It’s more that Son loves it here, I believe that he would like to commit his future to the club for a long time.

“Everybody at the club is totally in love with this player and this boy and is trying also to make him feel part of the furniture. 

“It’s normal the club tries to go from three years to four or five or six, I don’t know.

“He deserves one, and the club knows that sooner or later without any pressure they will arrive into a decision.”

After his move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 Son started the season slowly at Spurs. Since then he has shown consistency year after year and enjoying his time in Premier League.

He has scored staggering 77 goals in the last four seasons that he played in Premier League. He already has nine goals out of eight appearances in the 2020-21 season.

Mourinho said “Season after season after season, Sonny is showing how good he is.”

“Of course, the better the team is, the easier it is for the players to emerge. But, Sonny, everybody knows what he does.”