The parallels between the two all-time greats of Argentine soccer, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, are becoming ever more striking in Qatar.
Just like the 1986 World Cup seemed to be a highlight reel for Maradona, Messi has made his mark on this tournament with a string of spectacular goals and assists, carrying Argentina's class of 2022 into the final.
"Messi is playing the Maradona role in the World Cup," Jorge Valdano, who was in Argentina's victorious World Cup squad in 1986, said in an interview to TyC Sports channel. Receiving the ball on the touchline just inside Croatia's half, Messi lifted the ball over the challenge of Josko Gvardiol and sprinted down the right flank. Gvardiol chased him, constantly grabbing the jersey of the Argentina captain, and was then bewitched as Messi dropped his shoulder and swiveled the other way to turn and burst into the area. Then came the simple cross with his right foot that Alvarez swept home.
Messi reiterated that this would most probably be his last dance at a World Cup -- he will turn 39 during the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. "We managed to win five finals and I hope it will be this way for the last game. Internally, we were confident that we would make it because we know what we are capable of as a squad."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Messi, Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach World Cup finalLionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer's biggest prize for the first time.
Read more »
Messi, Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach World Cup finalLUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer’s biggest prize for the first time.
Read more »
WORLD CUP: Lionel Messi and supporting cast too much for CroatiaLionel Messi has carried Argentina for so long, it’s hard to remember a supporting cast around him this good.
Read more »
Argentina 2-0 Croatia: Messi, Alvarez score for commanding lead in World Cup semifinalAs Argentina battles Croatia for a place in the men's FIFA World Cup final, CTVNews.ca provides live updates as the match progresses.
Read more »