Dino Baggio has reopened the debate about Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, arguing that Messi’s greatness would have been challenged in Maradona’s time.
The comparison between Messi and Maradona often goes beyond just trophies and stats, focusing on the different challenges they faced during their careers.
Baggio emphasizes the difference in physicality in football over the years.
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Dino Baggio thinks Messi would face difficulties in Maradona’s era
Baggio shared his views in comments reported by World Soccer Talk, discussing how both players would perform in different time periods.
His emphasis was on the changes in the game regarding physical play and officiating.
He stated, “Messi might have struggled back in the day. Nowadays, fouls are called before contact. Maradona in today’s game would score a thousand goals a season.
“You can’t imagine the rough treatment he would have received while playing for Napoli.”
This remark points out the tougher conditions Maradona encountered, particularly in Serie A.
Baggio asserts Messi would be ‘crushed’ in the earlier football era
Baggio elaborated on his stance, explaining why he rates Maradona higher.
The former Italian midfielder remarked, “Messi, in that time, would have been brilliant but completely crushed. That’s why I believe Diego is the greatest, the God of world football.”
This argument centers on the surrounding environment rather than ability, with Baggio suggesting that the physical demands of the past would have hindered Messi.
It’s a perspective that keeps the debate about these two legends alive.