"Between Maradona and Messi, I'd go for Messi"

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that if he had to choose between Messi and Maradona, he would choose Messi, "the best in history". Scaloni also said that Messi had "something special."

The Argentina boss has led his country to several trophies since taking over in 2018. He won the Copa America in 2021, the Finalissima against Italy in 2022 as well as the World Cup in Qatar. 

"The World Cup was an incredible journey. The key to the whole tournament was to have enjoyed it knowing how difficult it was and that anyone could win it," Scaloni told 'El Partidazo' on radio station 'COPE'. Scaloni also revealed that he has not watched the final again since returning from Qatar.

"Until the 80th minute, I knew that it was a spectacular match, but, from then on, it was different. I have the images and the match in my head. It was a shame not to win it in the 90th minute because it would have been unfair if they had scored at the end of extra-time," he added. "The team are better than beforre and therefore, I wouldn't get into the national time. As a player, I'm maybe like Rodrigo De Paul, but he plays better."

Scaloni also gave his opinion on who he preferred as a footballer between Diego Armando Maradona and Lionel Messi, the two most important players in Argentina's history. "If I had to stick with one, I'd keep Leo, who I have something special with. He's the best in history although Maradona was also history," he highlighted. 

One of the things Scaloni did not reveal is how negotiations are going with regard to him remaining as Argentina coach. "I'm travelling to Buenos Aires these days to sit with the president and if we reach the agreement we want. I have a good relationship, I thank him for the opportunity and, when he leaves, we'll announce whatever it has to be," he said.