Colombian football legend Carlos Valderrama has ignited fresh debate over the greatest footballer of all time after excluding contemporary giants Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi from his top spot, Soccernet.football reports.
The conversation around the GOAT — Greatest of All Time — has often centered on Messi and Ronaldo, whose dominance over the last two decades has set them apart in the eyes of many fans and pundits.
However, Valderrama offered a surprising perspective when asked if Lionel Messi was the GOAT.
Known for his decisive play on the field, the former Colombian midfielder didn’t hesitate to name someone he believes surpasses Messi in the pantheon of football legends.
Speaking in the U.S. with commentator Luis Omar Tapia via Bolavip, Valderrama was asked about Messi’s status as the greatest player of all time.
He responded firmly, saying, “For me, it’s Diego (Maradona).”
When pressed by Tapia on what set Diego Maradona apart from Messi, Valderrama highlighted leadership as a key difference.
He noted, “The leadership is different. And let’s not forget, Maradona played with different teams. Messi’s Barcelona was full of stars, wasn’t it? On the other hand, Diego didn’t have that luxury.”
Valderrama elaborated on his choice, emphasising Maradona’s unique influence and ability to elevate teams.
“They were different kinds of players,” Valderrama explained. “When he went to Napoli, did you even know about Napoli before? I’m talking about the difference…
“Maradona went to Napoli, and they won. He did this and that. Everyone was focused on Napoli, but it was all because of Diego,” concluded ‘El Pibe’.
Messi won majority of his record 45 titles at Barcelona but the legendary playmaker has also lifted multiple honours with PSG, Inter Miami, and Argentina, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The conversation around the GOAT — Greatest of All Time — has often centered on Messi and Ronaldo, whose dominance over the last two decades has set them apart in the eyes of many fans and pundits.
However, Valderrama offered a surprising perspective when asked if Lionel Messi was the GOAT.
Known for his decisive play on the field, the former Colombian midfielder didn’t hesitate to name someone he believes surpasses Messi in the pantheon of football legends.
Speaking in the U.S. with commentator Luis Omar Tapia via Bolavip, Valderrama was asked about Messi’s status as the greatest player of all time.
He responded firmly, saying, “For me, it’s Diego (Maradona).”
When pressed by Tapia on what set Diego Maradona apart from Messi, Valderrama highlighted leadership as a key difference.
He noted, “The leadership is different. And let’s not forget, Maradona played with different teams. Messi’s Barcelona was full of stars, wasn’t it? On the other hand, Diego didn’t have that luxury.”
Valderrama elaborated on his choice, emphasising Maradona’s unique influence and ability to elevate teams.
“They were different kinds of players,” Valderrama explained. “When he went to Napoli, did you even know about Napoli before? I’m talking about the difference…
“Maradona went to Napoli, and they won. He did this and that. Everyone was focused on Napoli, but it was all because of Diego,” concluded ‘El Pibe’.
Messi won majority of his record 45 titles at Barcelona but the legendary playmaker has also lifted multiple honours with PSG, Inter Miami, and Argentina, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Source:
Bolavip
