Why Argentine icons Lionel Messi & Diego Maradona are ‘from another planet’ – with both World Cup winners tipped to be ‘more revered’ in the future

Two diminutive, left-footed No.10s have taken the world by storm when performing at the peak of their powers. Maradona showcased his brilliance through the 1980s and 90s, helping Napoli to Serie A titles and his country to a global crown in 1986.

Modern day superstar Messi finally got his hands on the World Cup in 2022 and is now the most decorated player in history – with 44 trophies to his name. The former Barcelona great, who is currently in MLS with Inter Miami, is considered to sit alongside Maradona in any greatest of all-time debate.

Fillol, who savoured World Cup glory with Argentina in 1978, has told FIFA’s official website of the legacy that Messi will leave behind when the day comes to hang up his boots: “It’ll be like Maradona's – he’ll get the red-carpet treatment all over the world. There’ll be a greater appreciation of Argentinian football. Time makes us all wiser. As time goes by, Menotti, Maradona and Messi will be more and more revered, just like what happened with Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stefano and Pele.”

He added when asked what made Maradona so special – with Messi sharing similar traits: “He always gave me a certain feeling, like Messi gives me now. I spoke to Fernando Signorini, who was his physical trainer for many years, and I said to him, ‘Fernando, do you know the feeling that Messi gives me, just like Diego?’ They have eyes in the back of their heads. They saw everything, they anticipated everything. You'd be out there on the pitch when Diego would receive the ball with his back to goal, and you always had to be on your toes, whether he was 10, 30 or 40 metres away. They’re players from another planet.”

Messi is currently putting those unworldly talents to good use at the 2024 Copa America. He helped Argentina make a winning start to their defence of that title and will be back in action on Tuesday when taking on Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.