Comparing Maradona vs. Messi is just laughable

Updated Nov 4, 2010 5:18 PM ET

John Tilghman

In the wake of Diego Maradona's 50th birthday on Saturday, numerous people have come out to discuss "El Diez" and what he meant to football.

One man, Xavi Hernandez, decided to make the ludicrous claim that Lionel Messi was in fact better than Maradona.

There are probably many who actually side with Xavi, without actually knowing much about Maradona's career other than Mexico 1986.

There is also the feeling amongst many "Eurocentric" fans that World Cups and International matches no longer matter, which is another completely false statement.

In comparing Maradona to Messi, we must point out that they are both left footed and both wear No. 10; however, that's about as far as it goes.

Maradona was a true "No. 10," a classic Argentine playmaker. Messi is a forward, who on occasion has played as a playmaker but has never thrived in that role.

Maradona brought a sense of leadership to the pitch. As a 17-year-old, he captained Argentinos Juniors and went on to captain every side he ever played on, including the Argentina Under 20 Team, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Argentina, Sevilla, Newell's Old Boys and then Boca again at the very end.

Messi is a quiet lad whose talent surely cannot be questioned, but a leader he is not.
Messi is a brilliant player for Barcelona, but has never proven himself without the service of Xavi and Iniesta.

David Ramos/Getty Images Former Argentina goalkeeper Roberto "El Pato" Abbondonzieri once said: "Messi can never be captain of the national team because he never talks to anyone."

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