McCoist said there is simply no way the two players can be compared due to how different football was in the 1980s compared to now
By Kehinde Okeowo
Rangers legend and former Scotland international, Ally McCoist has joined the debate of who is the greatest footballer between Lionel Messi and the late Diego Maradona.
According to him, Messi cannot be compared to Maradona, even if he does succeed in lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
Messi is one game away from winning the World Cup and was in sublime form for Argentina as they brushed aside a formidable Croatia in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Messi and his Argentine teammates will now wait to conquer either France or Morocco in the final of this year’s competition to see their names etched on the famous trophy.
ALSO READ: Argentina qualify for World Cup final after beating Croatia 3-0
McCoist believed there is simply no way the two players can be compared due to how different football was in the 1980s compared to now.
Speaking on talkSPORT Andy Townsend said, “Would winning this World Cup settle that debate?”
And McCoist responded: “No, no. Not for me. I think that Maradona just about won one by himself and it’s just impossible to compare them.
“Is Messi one of the most gifted players ever? Absolutely. He’s one of the most gifted footballers that I’ve ever seen.
“But Messi and Maradona are incomparable because they played in different eras. They almost played in a different sport!”
