Argentina coach Scaloni says Messi is larger than Maradona

“If I had to decide on one, I’d select Leo, I’ve one thing particular with him. He is one of the best participant ever, though Maradona was additionally nice.

Argentina followers have lengthy favored Maradona over Messi, however the Paris Saint-Germain ahead lifted the World Cup for the primary time final month after the workforce impressed Maradona to win it in 1986.

Scaloni additionally revealed that he made it a precedence to talk to Messi when he was named Argentina coach in 2018, whereas the ahead was taking a break from worldwide obligation after a disastrous World Cup in Russia.

“The very first thing we did was have a video name with Messi. He stated he was honoured, and the very first thing we stated to him was ‘come again’. We will anticipate you’. That’s what we did, and eight months later he got here and located an unimaginable group,” Scaloni stated.

“Coaching Messi shouldn’t be troublesome. You can’t appropriate him on a technical degree however generally you’ll be able to instruct him to press or assault in a sure means. When he smells blood, he is primary.

Scaloni additionally defended his goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez when he was criticized for his over-the-top celebrations after Argentina’s victory, corresponding to making an obscene gesture whereas receiving the Golden Glove award, and Kylian Mbappé throughout an open-top bus parade. Taking a toddler with a toy with a face on it.

He stated, ‘There are attitudes that he is not going to be pleased with, however he is an excellent particular person. He is sort of a little one. He is an unimaginable particular person, his character has given rather a lot to the group,” Scaloni stated.