Football icon Lionel Messi has named Diego Armando Maradona as his all-time greatest footballer, describing the late Argentine legend as “the ultimate idol” whose impact on and off the pitch remains unmatched.
In a recent interview with NBC Sports, the Inter Miami captain opened up about his sporting inspirations, revealing how deeply Maradona influenced his career and how he sees parallels between Maradona’s greatness and that of other global sports legends such as Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.
“For us, Maradona was the greatest idol and a source of admiration for everything he represented,” Messi said. “Even though I was little and did not see much of him play live, Diego transcended everything.”
Messi’s tribute to Maradona comes nearly four years after the football world lost the 1986 World Cup winner, whose legacy continues to define Argentine football. The Inter Miami star spoke with emotion, acknowledging that Maradona’s influence went beyond football — he embodied the soul, resilience, and passion of Argentina itself.
“Maradona Transcended Everything”
Although Messi, now 38, was only a child during the final years of Maradona’s playing career, he said the football legend’s legacy was so vast that it shaped generations.
“Everyone in Argentina grew up with stories about Maradona,” Messi explained. “He wasn’t just a player; he was a symbol — someone who made us believe anything was possible.”
The comparison between Messi and Maradona has long dominated football debates, with both men carrying the weight of Argentina’s footballing hopes across eras. While Maradona’s brilliance led Argentina to glory at the 1986 World Cup, Messi fulfilled his nation’s dreams in Qatar 2022, lifting the same trophy and solidifying his own place among football’s immortals.
Yet, in his humility, Messi was quick to deflect comparisons, insisting that Maradona’s impact was immeasurable.
“There’s no comparison,” Messi said. “He was unique — not just for what he did with the ball, but for what he meant to the people.”
Drawing Parallels With Other Sporting Icons
Messi went on to extend his admiration beyond football, comparing Maradona’s cultural and sporting influence to Michael Jordan’s dominance in basketball and the legendary rivalry of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in tennis.
“Speaking of another sport, I think it was the same with Jordan,” he said. “I also admire tennis players like Federer, Rafa, and Djokovic.”
According to Messi, each of these athletes represents excellence, dedication, and influence far beyond their respective disciplines. Just as Maradona defined football’s artistry and passion, Jordan revolutionized basketball with his relentless drive, while Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic elevated tennis to a level of global fascination through their skill and longevity.
Sports analysts have often drawn similar comparisons. Jordan’s competitive fire, Federer’s grace, Nadal’s resilience, and Djokovic’s mental toughness mirror different aspects of Messi’s own career — a blend of talent, discipline, and obsession with improvement.
“Messi has always been a student of greatness,” said ESPN analyst Rodrigo Gutierrez. “His acknowledgment of other sports icons shows how deeply he understands legacy — it’s not just about winning; it’s about inspiring.”
A Humble Champion
Despite his unparalleled success — seven Ballon d’Or titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and a World Cup triumph — Messi has always maintained a tone of humility when speaking about greatness. His words about Maradona reaffirm his deep respect for those who paved the way before him.
For Messi, admiration is not just about achievements but about how athletes connect with people emotionally.
“When people talk about Maradona, it’s not just about goals or trophies,” he reflected. “It’s about how he made them feel — that passion, that joy, that pride. That’s the real greatness.”
In the same way, millions around the world now speak of Messi with the same reverence — his moments of magic for Barcelona, Argentina, and now Inter Miami have defined an era and united fans across continents.
The Eternal Debate
The discussion over who is football’s true “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) remains one of sports’ most passionate debates. While Messi’s statistics and longevity make him a frontrunner for many, Maradona’s mystical charisma and his single-handed heroics in 1986 continue to captivate older generations.
For Argentines, the debate transcends football — it reflects national pride, emotion, and identity. Maradona was the rebellious genius who fought for the underdog; Messi, the quiet perfectionist who carried that legacy into a new century.
Sports historian Eduardo Olivares noted that Messi’s recognition of Maradona reflects a passing of the torch with grace and respect.
“It’s poetic,” Olivares said. “Messi acknowledging Maradona as the GOAT is like the student saluting the master — a symbol of continuity in Argentina’s football soul.”
Honoring the Legends
Messi’s mention of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic highlights his appreciation for rivalries that define eras. Much like his own competitive history with Cristiano Ronaldo, the trio of tennis champions have redefined what longevity and excellence mean in modern sport.
Federer’s elegance, Nadal’s relentless energy, and Djokovic’s precision have not only dominated the courts for decades but have also inspired athletes in other fields — Messi included.
“Every sport has its Maradona, its Jordan,” Messi said, summing up his admiration for champions who redefine human potential.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
As Messi continues to inspire fans in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, his reflections reveal a player fully aware of his own place in history — yet unwilling to claim the crown for himself. His humility mirrors his artistry: calm, measured, but undeniably powerful.
For millions, Messi’s acknowledgment of Maradona serves as a reminder that true greatness recognizes greatness.
It is not about competition between generations but the celebration of those who changed their sports forever.
Maradona’s spirit, Jordan’s drive, Federer’s grace, Nadal’s fight, Djokovic’s precision — all represent the shared language of excellence that transcends time, culture, and discipline.
And in recognizing that, Messi once again proves why he remains not only one of football’s finest players but also one of its most grounded ambassadors.
As he put it simply,
“For us, Maradona will always be the greatest — he transcended everything.”
