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Gary Lineker: Ronaldo is great, but Messi can do things other mortals can`t. In my life, only Maradona can compare with him, I have not seen Pele
30.07.2024
Gary Lineker explained what sets Lionel Messi apart from other footballers.
“He came into the tournament in excellent form with PSG. And there were some exciting moments - an incredible goal against Mexico, an assist against the Netherlands. Messi was named man of the match against Australia, and of course his remarkable assist in the semi-final.
But Lionel doesn`t just assist and score goals, it`s the little things that people might not notice. When he`s pinned down by three or four players, and he suddenly finds a way to get out. His vision of the pass, the weight of the pass, his shots on goal. I think that`s what sets him apart from others.
I haven`t seen Pele since I was very young, but in my lifetime only Maradona can match [Messi] in doing things that other mortals can`t do.
You can compare people statistically by the number of goals. Obviously, Ronaldo is a great footballer, but what separates Messi from even the greatest players is his ability to do what others cannot.
Maradona is the only other player who has achieved this. And he hasn`t done it for as long as Messi. So perhaps this gives Lionel an advantage.
I think after winning the Copa America the weight of the world came off his shoulders and he started to play more freely and Argentina have found a way to win in the last three or four years. And a way that suits Messi.
This is very similar to Maradona`s 1986 team - very tough, uncompromising, hard-working with a very good center forward, as it was under Valdano and now under Alvarez. There`s only one step left, ” said the former England international.
Gary Lineker: Ronaldo is great, but Messi can do things other mortals can`t. In my life, only Maradona can compare with him, I have not seen Pele
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