'Diego the best player' - Okocha speaks on comparison between Maradona and Messi

Two-time world champions Argentina take on Australia in a round of sixteen 2022 World Cup clash at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Saturday evening - the first World Cup meeting between the two sides.

In terms of World Cup matches, Argentina captain Lionel Messi will play his 23rd match for the Albicelestes, the most ever for an Argentinian player. 

The PSG superstar is aiming to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Diego Maradona who led Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. 

Three-time World Cupper Austin Okocha has waded into the age-long debate on who is the best player between Maradona and Messi. 

The Super Eagles icon had the privilege of watching and playing against Maradona and he feels that the Napoli legend is the greatest player he has ever seen, but backed Messi to match the achievements of Maradona. 

Speaking on SuperSport ahead of kickoff, Okocha said : "Diego is Diego. Diego (Maradona) for me maybe the best player that has ever played the game. 

"Messi can try and match Maradona's record but again Messi is not Messi for nothing, he's also a world class player. 

"Messi's records are there to be seen and his influence in his national team and clubs have been immense because he has been so consistent and today of course all hopes lie on his shoulders and he has been doing this for years."

Messi has netted eight goals in World Cup matches, the same number that Maradona totaled in World Cups. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : afa.com.ar

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