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| Messi and Maradona |
Former AC Milan and Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi
feels Diego Maradona was a better player than
Lionel Messi and believes the Barcelona star
does not have the same strong personality his
compatriot had.
Messi is widely regarded as one of the best
players in the history of the game and a has won
a plethora of medals with Barcelona, while
collecting the prestigious Ballon d'Or award on
five occasions.
However, Sacchi believes Maradona has the edge
as he proved his talent in LaLiga and Serie A
with Barcelona and Napoli respectively.
"Messi is the best player in the world right now,
but he lacks Maradona's personality. Maradona
could play anywhere. Diego made the difference
in Spain and Italy," Sacchi told La Nacion.
"Maradona and Alfredo Di Stefano are
Argentina's two greatest players ever. Playing
against Maradona was the worst thing that could
happen to you. I have never seen anyone like
him. He could create something from out of
nowhere.
"We once played against him with Milan and
totally dominated. Then Diego got the ball, shook
off two players and set up Careca, who scored
the 1-0 for them. I have never seen someone
who was so decisive."
One of the criticisms levelled at Messi is his
failure to match his supreme domestic record on
the international stage with Argentina, while
Maradona spearheaded the nation's World Cup
victory in 1986.
But Sacchi says that is an unfair comparison.
"A team has a certain potential and not even
Messi can unlock that on his own. Argentina are
missing a clear game plan. You can never rely
on just one player," Sacchi added.
"I once told Silvio Berlusconi that not even the
greatest actors could save a movie without a
great script, not even Robert De Niro, Jack
Nicholson or George Clooney.
"Football is the same. You need 11 players who
are hugely motivated and want to play for the
team. And a coach with a clear philosophy.
Argentina are always among the favourites, but
maybe they need more cohesion and team-
spirit."
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