Lionel Messi has cemented his status as Argentina’s greatest football icon, with the 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England confirming a decisive shift in national affection away from Diego Maradona. After decades of living in the shadow of the 1986 World Cup winner, Messi now stands alone as the embodiment of Argentinian football, leading his country into Sunday’s final against Spain.
The win in the last-four clash has prompted widespread recognition that the Maradona era has symbolically closed. Tomás Abraham, a 79-year-old philosopher and lifelong football observer in Buenos Aires, noted the particular significance of defeating England. “For English football, this is more painful than the Hand of God,” he said. “The English consider the Hand of God to be illegal, a cheat. And this hurts all the more because they were defeated by a superior team that they were particularly keen to beat. The wound runs deeper.”
A Generational Shift
For years, many Argentinians viewed Messi through the prism of Maradona, doubting his ability to match the 1986 hero’s leadership and passion. Maradona, who died on 25 November 2020, had himself criticised Messi’s captaincy in the past. Yet the current national mood reflects acceptance that Messi has forged a distinct identity, one less turbulent than his predecessor’s.
Carlos Mac Allister, who played alongside Maradona for Argentina and is the father of current midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, highlighted the contrast between the two legends. “The difference between Diego and Leo is their private lives,” he explained. “Thanks to Diego being Diego, Messi is Messi today. With an understanding of what happened, Messi was able to work out how to take the game to the next level.”
Tribute to the Past
Despite supplanting Maradona in popular esteem, Messi offered moving words for his late compatriot following the England victory. “I’m sure Diego is enjoying this immensely from up above. Let him enjoy it, because it’s a gift for him too,” he said.
Mariano Israelit, one of Maradona’s closest friends, acknowledged the transition, stating: “Diego was the greatest of all … up” — a sentiment cut short but understood in the context of Messi’s ascension.
Final Test Awaits
Argentina now prepare to face Spain in the World Cup final, seeking to confirm their resurgence under Messi’s leadership. The match represents not only a chance for glory but the definitive coronation of a new era, one where Messi has established a different kind of Argentinian football identity — less defined by the chaos and genius of Maradona, but no less brilliant.