Diego Maradona vs Lionel Messi
Both Argentina. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Diego Maradona
Argentina · 1977–1994 · CAM
- Rank in Argentina
- #1 of 33
- Caps · Argentina
- 91 · 34 goals
- Clubs
- FC Barcelona, SSC Napoli, Sevilla
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1986
At the Azteca on 22 June 1986 he collected the ball in his own half, beat five England players over sixty yards in about eleven seconds, and rolled it past Peter Shilton. Career record: 91 caps and 34 goals for Argentina; club career at FC Barcelona, SSC Napoli, Sevilla; honours include FIFA World Cup 1986.
Lionel Messi
Argentina · 2005– · RM
- Rank in Argentina
- #2 of 33
- Caps · Argentina
- 207 (as of 5 October 2026) · 125 (as of 5 October 2026) goals
- Clubs
- Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 2022 · 8× Ballon d'Or · UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award (2011, 2015)
Lusail, 18 December 2022: he scored twice in a final that ended 3-3, then buried the first penalty of a shootout Argentina won 4-2. Career record: 207 (as of 5 October 2026) caps and 125 (as of 5 October 2026) goals for Argentina; club career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami; honours include 8× Ballon d'Or, UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award (2011, 2015), FIFA World Cup 2022.
The careers, side by side
Diego Maradona is editorial rank 1 and Lionel Messi rank 2 in Argentina's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.