Well, thanks god that's over

[Peter]

You're being Bunnell again, Bunnell. There is a good argument that Messi is better than Maradonna. There is no valid argument whatsoever that he is miles better. Maradonna was a genius, but he was also, like most Argie footballers, a cheat.

I love Messi, he's one of the few Argies that the cheat label does not apply to. The kickings he routinely took in his prime were ridiculous, and he just got on with it. He also played in superb teams on superb pitches when referees brought the cards out quickly. Maradonna did not have those benefits.

As for Argies, they are cheats and cowards. Kicking or slapping an opponent from behind and then flinging yourself to the ground, grabbing your face and rolling around in fake agony if your opponent retaliates is not a sign of commitment or bravery or passion or being clever.

It is the action of a cowardly, cheating c*nt of the highest order, and the Argie team is full of players like that. I never want to see one in an Arsenal shirt, not ever.

In the second champions league at the Emirates someone, I think it was Song, slid into a careless tackle on him when already on a yellow. All he had to do was ride the tackle and Song was off. He skipped over it instead and played on.

I've never forgotten that. Probably the only Argie in history to have turned down the chance to get someone sent off.

Either way, I dont like him. I'm glad he is done.

[John Bunnell]

Wes. If we are talking about just out & out natural, god given talent. There is absolutely a conversation to be had for Maradona being near to Messi, although I don't think Maradona was half the finisher or passer of the ball Messi is, but certainly dribbling it's almost neck and neck. However, Messi has smoked Maradona on practically every conceivable metric you can think of. I really don't think Maradona winning 2x league titles I think it is with Napoli is comparable to the absolute stupendous list of achievements Messi has. So yes I stick with miles better. Messi is the most decorated player of all time for a reason. There's never been a player who's so many steps ahead of everyone else on the pitch. The fact he played at Barcelona with absolutely unbelievable talent like Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and even our beloved Henry and they all played a system built around Messi says it all. Hate the argument that he played in a world class side, yes it's true but he WAS Barcelona. Also I don't think Argentina would win anything without Messi but he's got them 3x international trophies in a row (Copa, WC, Copa) and that's book marked by two more finals of which he can add another WC possible this Sunday. So I absolutely draw parallel with that with what Maradona did at Napoli.

[WES]

Wes. If we are talking about just out & out natural, god given talent. There is absolutely a conversation to be had for Maradona being near to Messi, although I don't think Maradona was half the finisher or passer of the ball Messi is, but certainly dribbling it's almost neck and neck. However, Messi has smoked Maradona on practically every conceivable metric you can think of. I really don't think Maradona winning 2x league titles I think it is with Napoli is comparable to the absolute stupendous list of achievements Messi has. So yes I stick with miles better. Messi is the most decorated player of all time for a reason. There's never been a player who's so many steps ahead of everyone else on the pitch. The fact he played at Barcelona with absolutely unbelievable talent like Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and even our beloved Henry and they all played a system built around Messi says it all. Hate the argument that he played in a world class side, yes it's true but he WAS Barcelona. Also I don't think Argentina would win anything without Messi but he's got them 3x international trophies in a row (Copa, WC, Copa) and that's book marked by two more finals of which he can add another WC possible this Sunday. So I absolutely draw parallel with that with what Maradona did at Napoli.

Watch some film of a young Pele, John. His ability on the ball was second to none, but he was doing it in the late 50s! Watch some English football from those days and then compare it to Pele, he changed the game imo. And that's the sign of a truly great player.

Not sure I would say that about Maradonna or Messi. And you under-estimate Maradonna's passing, he was easily Messi's equal in that regard. Finishing I would give you. Finishing and availability is what moves Messi past Maradonna for me.

[PSRB]

Watch some film of a young Pele, John. His ability on the ball was second to none, but he was doing it in the late 50s! Watch some English football from those days and then compare it to Pele, he changed the game imo. And that's the sign of a truly great player.

Not sure I would say that about Maradonna or Messi. And you under-estimate Maradonna's passing, he was easily Messi's equal in that regard. Finishing I would give you. Finishing and availability is what moves Messi past Maradonna for me.

Maradona was incredible and when you say Messi got kicked, not half as much or as viciously as Maradona did. Messi also played on carpets, Maradona certainly didn't. Talentwise I put Maradona above Messi and yes it may only be 2x titles at Napoli but he pretty much single handly took them from also rans to champions (and this is when the Italian league was actually very good), Messi played alongside some of the greatest players. Messi is still miles better than fake Ronaldo though.