Rio Ferdinand held an exclusive interview with Gabriel Batistuta, during which the two discussed the comparisons between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. Batistuta stated that Messi does not have the same kind of charisma as Maradona.
Rio Ferdinand: “In Argentina, Messi and Maradona are always compared. What was different when you first saw Maradona, compared to the Messi we see now?”
Batistuta: “I think they are different. They are not the same.”
Rio Ferdinand: “How so?”
Batistuta: “Because… Messi has scored 1,000 goals, while Maradona only scored 200, maybe even fewer. Right, so… Messi is a quiet guy, and Maradona was not. For me, Maradona is the top, because he could not only play football but also manage referees and opponents, and he could do incredible things. Messi can do incredible things too, but I think he lacks that kind of charisma.”
Rio Ferdinand: “That’s interesting, because I read a quote saying that even if Messi’s technique is equal to or even better than Maradona’s, he can never surpass him, as Messi lacks Maradona’s charisma.”
Batistuta: “I said that.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Yes, you did.”
Batistuta: “A few years ago, so my opinion…”
Rio Ferdinand: “Hasn’t changed.”
Batistuta: “It’s still the same. I won’t lie; I just say what I think.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Did Messi have to win the World Cup to be considered close to Maradona?”
Batistuta: “For the fans, yes, but it’s not a necessary condition. This guy has been at that level for over twenty years, which is incredible in itself. Even now, at Inter Miami, he still craves goals and victories. It’s unbelievable. I’m pretty sure they’ll do well this year.”
Rio Ferdinand: “At the World Cup?”
Batistuta: “Yes, I’m almost certain.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Do you think they can defend their title?”
Batistuta: “I think so.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Really?”
Batistuta: “Yes.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Wow.”
Batistuta: “I think so, but I don’t know, you know, this is football.”
Rio Ferdinand: “What about England? Not England?”
Batistuta: “(Laughs) I like England, I’ve always liked England, but when it comes to the World Cup, things change. If someone asks me which national team can win the World Cup, I’d say England.”
Rio Ferdinand: “Really?”
Batistuta: “Yes. But… but your historical results haven’t been very good.”
