Juan Roman Riquelme has made a bold claim about Lionel Messi's legacy, suggesting the Argentina captain may have eclipsed even Diego Maradona following the nation's run to the 2026 World Cup final. The Boca Juniors president offered his assessment after Argentina's defeat to Spain, praising both Messi's tournament performances and manager Lionel Scaloni's tactical leadership.
Speaking to TyC Sports, Riquelme reflected on the privilege of witnessing Messi's extraordinary career. "We were all fortunate to see Messi. When we had Maradona, we thought there wouldn't be another like him, and then he appeared, and he even makes us wonder if he's better," the former Argentine playmaker said. This comparison ranks among the most significant endorsements Messi has received from a respected footballing figure, particularly one who played in Argentina's golden era.
Scaloni's Historic Achievement
Riquelme reserved equally strong praise for Scaloni's managerial impact on Argentine football. He positioned the coach among the greatest in the country's history, crediting Scaloni and his backroom staff—including assistants Walter Samuel and Pablo Aimar—with delivering sustained success and national pride. Riquelme's personal connection to Scaloni runs deep; the two grew up together and have shared decades of Argentine football history.
"Scaloni is among the best in the history of our football. We are grateful for the joy he, his coaching staff, and the players have given us," Riquelme explained. He also highlighted the emotional significance of working alongside childhood friends who had become pillars of the national team setup.
Honoring Argentina's Golden Generations
When asked to rank Argentina's greatest squads, Riquelme declined to crown the current generation as definitive champions. Instead, he emphasized gratitude across all successful eras, from Carlos Bilardo and César Luis Menotti through to modern times. He acknowledged Mario Kempes' pivotal role in Argentina's 1978 World Cup triumph, despite being born that same year and never witnessing Kempes play professionally.
This balanced perspective reflects a deeper truth: Argentina has produced multiple generations of world-class talent spanning decades. The nation's 2026 World Cup final appearance marked another chapter in this storied legacy, even in defeat. With the squad currently enjoying a well-deserved break before club football resumes, Argentina will look to build on their strong showing when international fixtures resume in September.
