A World Cup legend from Argentina who shined on the biggest stage has weighed in on Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.
Argentina have been fortunate to witness two of the greatest players in soccer history. From the 1970s to the 1990s, they had Diego Armando Maradona, who led them to a World Cup title in 1986. Since 2005, they’ve enjoyed the brilliance of Lionel Messi, who also captured a World Cup crown in 2022. Now, a national legend has shared his thoughts on both icons.
Sergio Goycochea gave an interview to Diario AS in which he was asked about comparisons between the two Argentine superstars. “For me, it’s Messi and Maradona, not Messi or Maradona,” he began, making it clear that he doesn’t view one as superior to the other.
“It’s an uneven analysis,” admitted the former goalkeeper. “In Diego’s case, I have firsthand knowledge that I don’t have with Messi. I analyze Leo as a journalist,” he added. That’s because Goycochea was a longtime teammate of Maradona — a bond he never had with Messi.
“In terms of pure soccer, both are marvelous. They each have incredible intelligence and mental speed,” Sergio explained, before pointing out one advantage Messi held stylistically. “Leo had — and I say had, because time passes for everyone — a slightly more explosive first step.”
Goycochea was referring to how Messi, in his prime, had the ability to explode over short distances, which gave him an edge in dribbling past defenders. Maradona, by contrast, lacked that same burst due to his physical build but compensated with arguably unmatched ball control.
Another key difference between Messi and Maradona
Continuing the comparison, Goycochea also highlighted a major difference not directly related to on-field play, but still influential. “There are also personality differences,” he noted. “One was more flamboyant (Maradona), the other more low-profile (Messi)… which isn’t better or worse.”
To wrap up his thoughts, Sergio delivered a powerful message about the impact both stars have had: “I was lucky enough to play with one and enjoy it. I enjoyed the other as a fan and journalist. I’d say this to Argentinians: remember this moment — we don’t know how long it’ll be before the world once again says the best player is Argentine.”
Who is Sergio Goycochea?
Goycochea is a former Argentine goalkeeper who played professionally from 1979 to 1999 with clubs including River Plate, Racing Club, and Newell’s Old Boys. He joined the Argentina national team in 1987, one year after their World Cup triumph in Mexico, and entered the 1990 World Cup in Italy as a backup.
However, after starting goalkeeper Nery Pumpido suffered a serious injury in Argentina’s second match against the Soviet Union, Goycochea stepped in and made the most of his chance. He became a national hero during that World Cup, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s penalty shootout wins over Yugoslavia in the quarterfinals and Italy in the semifinals.
Although Argentina lost the final to Germany, Goycochea cemented his place as a team icon — a legacy further enhanced by his role in Argentina’s titles at the 1991 Copa America, 1992 Confederations Cup, and 1993 Copa America.
From: bolavip.com
