Lionel Messi has revealed how he really felt about the comparisons with late Argentina great Diego Maradona from a young age.
Being short, left-footed and a naturally gifted, mazy dribbler who plays as an inside forward or wide playmaker, it was always going to be difficult for Messi to avoid being compared to Maradona, whom many consider to be one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.
At the height of his powers, Maradona was able to inspire a nation, with his exploits at the 1986 FIFA World Cup being thought of as one of the best individual campaigns from a player on the international stage.
Due to his talent and potential, Messi was immediately compared to the Albiceleste icon as a youngster but, until he won the Copa America earlier this year, was often criticised for not having the same impact for Argentina as his legendary predecessor.
In a recent interview, the seven-time Ballon d'Or spoke candidly about it.
"Honestly, I have never compared myself to Diego, absolutely never," he told France Football.
"I never paid attention to those comparisons. Some criticisms annoyed me in the past. I had a bad time in the national team, really, but not for these reasons. I often get angry things of criticism, but they stay in the locker room.
"They should stay there, in private. It is the intimacy that makes the group's strength, in addition to the fact that we can get pissed off and say things to our faces that can improve. This can happen to me or other players."
Today, following his displays for his country in Brazil earlier this year, Messi is able to move on from the hardships of having lost four finals with Argentina.
The country's all-time leading goalscorer (with 80 strikes) will be key for Lionel Scaloni's side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they will not mind being overlooked as contenders for the prize.
