Although Leo Messi and his impact on the game are a major focus of the World Cup final, parallels to Diego Maradona and what he accomplished for his own generation are only reasonable.
There have been many analogies drawn to the 1986 World Cup, when Maradona led the Albiceleste to victory. If he hasn’t already, Messi might repeat that feat today and leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
Messi has already competed in more World Cup games than Maradona in the pursuit of the elusive championship, according to BBC Sport. Additionally, he has 11 goals, which is three more than Maradona had. When it comes to assists during games they have participated in at World Cups, they are both tied at eight.
Maradona has taken 69 shots to Messi’s 99 thus far. Messi has generated 72 opportunities, compared to the late Napoli star’s 67. Messi has a total of 0.78 goals and assists per 90 minutes, while Maradona has a little lower total of 0.74, but they are quite evenly matched in terms of opportunities created and dribbles completed per 90 minutes (5.1 for Maradona, 4.9 for Messi).