Lionel Messi faced the pressure of being the second Diego Maradona | Courtesy – AI GENERATED
\n\n16th June 2006. Argentina vs Serbia and Montenegro. La Albiceleste's head coach, José Pekerman, turns to the bench and calls upon an 18-year-old Lionel Messi for his FIFA World Cup debut. The Argentine fans in the crowd are quick to notice and give him a standing ovation. A certain Diego Maradona is also present inside the venue and cannot hide his delight at a banner from the stands showing Messi lifting the trophy.
\n\nToday those images seem normal. Messi has not just lifted the World Cup but has become the highest goal-scorer for Argentina in history. He has dominated three different World Cups, led his country to three finals, and won the Golden Ball twice and another Silver Ball. He is also the second-highest goal scorer in international football and World Cup history while having more assists than anyone else.
\n\nBut look back at these visuals. This is not the Messi of today. This is not a 39-year-old. This is not an eight-time Ballon D'Or winner. This is not the player with 928 goals. This is not the most decorated player in football history.
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/latest-news
