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A man who played with two greats of all time, and now coaches a Barcelona legend, says that a legendary pair of South Americans are “different”
Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona cannot and should not be compared, says Roberto Ayala, with a man who played with both, considering that the first was “Speedy González” and the second as “pure art”.
Ayala, who is currently part of Lionel Scaloni’s coaching team with the Argentina national team, is fortunate enough to have appeared on the same side as two iconic compatriots over the course of his distinguished playing career.
Maradona was nearing the end of his time as a star with Albiceleste when Ayala made his international bow in 1994, with Messi breaking a couple of years before the elegant defender left in 2007.
A winner of the 1986 World Cup and a legendary figure in the books in Barcelona are assured of ranking among the greatest of all time, with a debate over which one can be considered the best who continues to be enraged by their respective achievements.
Ayala is reluctant to receive an answer of his own, and the 47-year-old man says that two talisman compatriots are too “different” to be placed in the same group.
“I played with both of them, with Diego I was taking my first steps. They are two football giants, and when he retires, Messi will be remembered, “said Ayala. Fox Sports.
“I don’t know if he will be like Diego, it doesn’t matter. They are different.
“Diego was pure art in all his gestures, Messi and Speedy González who carries the ball two centimeters from his foot.”
Maradona conquered the world with Argentina and the national game through memorable spells with players like Boca Juniors and Napoli.
Messi, meanwhile, has won the Ballon d’Or six times and has broken countless records over the course of his time with Barcelona.
He is still awaiting a high-level first honor at the international level, with a heart ache in the Copa América and World Cup finals.
Those struggles have seen him announce his international retirement at one stage, only to backtrack on that decision, with the 32-year-old player who remains a key man for his country.
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Ayala hopes that will be the case for the foreseeable future, with Argentina seeking to deliver the success that a global superstar longs for and deserves.
“I hope he gives us his level of football, that he makes us grow as a team.” Having a team with him, not his, ”said Ayala.
“He wants to be treated like that, just like another player. We told the players that we will not treat him differently. Everyone has to step forward, do what they do for their clubs, and he will help them. You have to take advantage of that.” .
