ANALYSIS: Why Messi is not in Maradona’s class

LIONEL Messi cut a forlorn figure as Chile’s Alexi Sanchez wheeled away in tremendous joy after cheekily burying the decisive spot-kick that gave the unfancied hosts 4-1 win (and their first major trophy) at the recently concluded 2015 Copa America final.

Argentina went to the 44^th edition of the South American nations cup (Copa America) as most pundits favourites. But their route to the Santiago showpiece against the hosts they have beaten eight times with only one defeat in 12 matches was all but very straight forward. In fact it was not until the semis when they pulverized Paraguay 6-1 that Messi and company really signaled intent to reclaim the trophy they last won 22 years ago.

But their impressive head-to-head record against Chile coupled with the fact that they paraded easily the best array of superstars in the competition, ably led by current best player in the world in my opinion Messi, Chile appeared not to have a prayer! However, after goalless 120 minutes action during which many chances went a begging, matters went into the lotteries and Chile’s David held his nerves against Argentina’s Goliath.

I wrote early last month about Messi’s recent disturbing disappearance in big matches to the chagrin of some of his so-called fans who are still protesting my piece till today! (How Messi Has Been Choking On The Biggest Stage http://goo.gl/zmXmnR) But facts are forever stronger than emotions.

For avoidance of doubts and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I think Messi is the best player of this era without a stretch of doubt. I also think he has claimed his place among the game’s greatest of all time, absolutely. But to claim he is the best of all time is farfetched. I mean he is some very big trophies and impeccable performances decisive matches away from such deified accolade.

Messi and many of his vanquished colleagues in Santiago ruled the world at the Olympics (2004 and 2008) and at the FIFA World Youth Championships (2005 and 2007). Sadly they are yet to translate such illustrious age-group successes to trophies for the senior national team where it matters most.

For such a free-scoring genius, it is almost unimaginable to think that a team led by Messi could be held goalless for 120 minutes. But this has happened in successive years at the two most important senior events: last year’s World Cup in Brazil and this year’s Copa America in Chile.

At 28, Messi would be 31 by the next World Cup finals in Russia and 32 by the next Copa America. Yes, he could still go on to win these two big trophies at what should be the twilight of his career. However, time is running out fast for this great player. And if he eventually fails to win anything for the senior Albiceleste before he hangs his boots, he will have only himself to blame.

With or without any major trophy for the senior national team, Messi’s place is assured among the greats of the game like I said earlier. But certainly he will not be the greatest of all time, and I will tell you why.

For those of us fortunate to watch Pele’s (real name: Edson Arantes do Nascimento) clips and extremely blessed to watch Diego Amando Maradona live on TV, Messi doesn’t belong in their hallowed class. Please, forget about the great Pele; let’s talk about Maradona who incidentally is Messi’s compatriot and the one after whom the latter’s game is uncannily styled.

The major difference between the duo is that Messi scores more goals obviously, but Maradona played alongside “10 Robots” and made them look like a super team. Messi by contrast needs a very good team (FC Barcelona) to achieve success. And he has perpetually failed to achieve his goals even in the midst of very good Argentina sides (2006 WC, 2007 Copa, 2010 WC, 2011 Copa, 2014 WC and 2015 Copa).

Maradona made a good Argentina team rule the world in 1986 and took a very poor Albiceleste to the brink of another Mundial success in 1990. He achieved success with FC Barcelona before joining unheralded Napoli FC of Italy who he marshaled to two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup success.

Arguably the greatest player of all time, Maradona planted and entrenched Napoli’s name on global football. He was as prodigiously talented as Messi, if not more gifted. And more crucially he achieved big victories with clubs and country. He never choked in finals. Yes, he didn’t win all finals he played. But he never choked. Recall 1986; recall 1990 and you’d know what I’m talking about.

Simply put, Diego was a god, feared to death by foes and worshipped feverishly by his country and clubs.

Messi could have won the World Cup last year; Maradona would. Messi had the chance to win this Copa but failed; Maradona would have won in Santiago. And Barca might not have won the UCL last month if they had depended solely on Messi.

So I shake my head with pity when people, especially those who should know, say Messi is the greatest footballer of all time! Greatest footballer of all time without a single major honour for his senior national team? Incredible!

I like Messi a lot (same with CR7) and I think we’re doubly blessed by having these two great players (Messi and CR7) in the same era. Yes, Messi is the greatest player of his era, but is some distance away from being classed as the greatest of all time. The latest evidence at Chile 2015 says it all.

I rest my case.