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Gary Lineker Gives His Opinion On Lionel Messi VS Diego Maradona Debate

Gary Lineker Gives His Opinion On Lionel Messi VS Diego Maradona Debate

The former England international has given a verdict on the debate surrounding the Argentine legends...

Dan Marland

Dan Marland

Gary Lineker has given a verdict on the Lionel Messi vs Diego Maradona debate and believes Messi is the better footballer.

Lineker faced Maradona in his career but he thinks that current Barcelona star Messi is ahead of his fellow Argentine.

Messi and Maradona when the latter managed the Argentina national team (Image
PA)

Speaking to talkSPORT in the week, Lineker said:

"I never thought I'd see a better player than Diego," the 58-year-old explained.

"Maradona was unbelievable. I was so much in awe of him, as was everybody in those days.

Image
PA

"Messi does everything and more that Maradona could do. His goal-scoring ratio is near enough a goal a game, whereas Diego's is about one in two, which is still very good in those days. It's a little bit easier now.

"But also, Messi is the best dribbler I've ever seen and he's as good of a passer as I've ever seen.



"Diego was great at both of those things, but when to you take into account the longevity that Messi's done it in. Around 15 years at the same level.

"I'm a massive fan of Ronaldo but watching Messi makes me feel joyous. Messi can do 4 or 5 things in a game that get you off your seat."

Image
PA

It will come as no surprise that Lineker went for Messi considering the love the former Everton striker shows Messi on Twitter.


His love for the Barca captain has become a recurring joke amongst many football fans, with Lineker also having a photo with him as his Twitter cover photo.

One common criticism against Messi is his lack of international success with Argentina.

Whereas Diego Maradona famously led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup almost single handed.

Maradona lifting the World Cup in 1986 (Image
PA)

Lineker cited this potentially being down to the World Cup only being once every four years as well as the knockout format of the competition.

The debate will surely rage on but it cannot be denied that both diminutive attackers will go down as two of the greatest of all time.

Who do you think is the better player? Let us know in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Gary Lineker, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Argentina