"No, Not For Me," Zanetti Believes Messi Is Yet To Outdo Maradona As Argentina's Greatest

Zanetti Explains Why Messi Has Not Surpassed Maradona As Argentina’s GOAT.

Lionel Messi's World Cup glory in Qatar is still not enough for him to eclipse Diego Maradona as Argentina's greatest-ever footballer, according to Javier Zanetti. 

Messi was pivotal in Argentina's World Cup campaign as he scored seven goals during the tournament. 

The seven goals include a brace he scored on Sunday during the final to end a 36-year drought for the South American country, who last won the ultimate prize in 1986 thanks to Maradona. 

While the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's display in the Middle East has secured his spot as the greatest footballer in history in the eyes of many, Zanetti believes the Paris Saint-Germain star is yet to surpass Maradona as Argentina's greatest of all time. 

"No, not for me. I don't like [the] comparison," he told Stats Perform. 

"We have to be grateful that the two greatest [players] in history are Argentines. I don't think [Messi] has changed." 

"I think he is more mature now and he was able to transmit his leadership to the rest of the group this time." 

Argentina beat France 

In a thrilling final against France, the veteran striker scored a brace, but the game was forced to penalties following a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes. 

His Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappe was in sensational form, netting all three goals for France in an epic final.

 Despite France's resilience, Emi Martinez came to the rescue of the South Americans, saving two penalties as Argentina won the game 4-2 after a shootout. 

Messi recreates Maradona's pose 

Meanwhile, in a video posted on Twitter, spotted by Sports Brief, Messi was lifted above the rest of his teammates, holding the trophy high above his head in what will undoubtedly become a legendary moment.

 In the case of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, it was his best friend, Sergio Aguero who carried him all over the field.