Behind the consecration of Lionel Messi with Argentina in the World Cup Qatar 2022, the discussion resurfaced who is the best player in history. Beyond the subjective appreciations, what has been done by the ‘Flea’ in recent years, especially in the club sphere, has allowed many fans to put him at the level of legends like Diego Armando Maradona or the brazilian Skin.
Although the ’10’ is now facing his best moment with the Albiceleste, a few years ago the panorama was different and much of the criticism fell on him. There even came a time when Maradona and Pelé joined the questions, although without realizing it.
In 2016, the idols met at a public event in Paris and, while they were talking, the Brazilian star asked “Pelusa” if he knew Rosario; However, what both characters did not know was that the microphones were open and the assists heard their expressions.
“He’s a good person, but he doesn’t have the personality to be a leader,” was Diego’s response to his partner’s question. Then they compared him to “other good players” like Rivelinho, Gerson or Tostao.
As you remember, in those years ‘Lio’ was highly criticized by the press in his country. Many lashed out at him for losing two Copa América finals against Chile and after the painful fall in the 2014 World Cup final against Germany. The main argument they used was a supposed lack of character, unlike his performances with FC Barcelona in Spain.
Despite the fact that Messi resigned from the Albiceleste that year, months later he backed down and, after adding a new failure in Russia 2018, under the orders of Lionel Scaloni the panorama changed: He managed to lift the Copa América at the Maracana, defeated Italy in the Finalissima and fulfilled his dream of being world champion in Qatar 2022.