Lionel Messi's dream has come true. The Argentine superstar has taken himself to a unique height by winning his 'last' World Cup. After winning the World Cup, Messi has brought the question of the greatest of all time back to the fore. According to some, Messi is now the best player ever to win the World Cup. Some, however, do not want to put Messi above all.
One of those who do not want to think of Messi above all others is Javier Zanetti, Messi's former Argentine teammate. This former Argentinian star refuses to accept that Messi has surpassed Diego Maradona, especially by winning the World Cup. Maradona brought Argentina's second trophy in the 1986 World Cup.
Former Argentina captain Zanetti played with Messi in the national team from 2005 to 2011. Asked whether Messi has surpassed Maradona in winning the World Cup, Zanetti said, 'No, not for me. I don't like this comparison. We have to be respectful to two of the greatest players in Argentina's history. I don't think Messi has changed. I think he is much more mature now. And he has managed to spread his leadership throughout the party.'
Argentinians have been waiting for this moment for 36 years. Not only Argentina, but millions of fans outside the country have been waiting for this moment for years. On ending the wait, Zanetti said, 'It's a great feeling that the boys have ended our 36-year wait. I think they did it. They fulfilled the dreams of millions of Argentina fans worldwide. At first it looked like the match was in our favour, then France came back in a big way.'
Even before the World Cup final, however, Zanetti spoke about the Messi-Maradona comparison. Then he said, Maradona-Messi will stay in the same row even if they don't win the World Cup.