Modi Weighs in on Football’s Greatest Player, Calls Maradona a ‘True Hero’ of His Time
In a conversation with Lex Fridman, PM Modi discusses football legends and India’s growing love for the sport
📍 New Delhi, March 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his perspective on the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT) while speaking on a podcast with renowned computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman.
🗣️ “Back in the 1980s, one name that always stood out was Maradona. For that generation, he was seen as a true hero, and if you ask today’s generation, they’ll immediately mention Messi,” PM Modi said.
✔️ He highlighted how Diego Maradona’s era shaped football and how the torch has now passed to Lionel Messi.
✔️ Modi emphasized that perceptions of greatness evolve with time, and each era has its own defining legend.
🔹 The GOAT Debate: Maradona vs. Messi
⚽ Diego Maradona, famous for leading Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
⚽ On the other hand, Lionel Messi, the 2022 World Cup-winning captain, continues to be the dominant force in modern football.
✔️ “Maradona was football’s heartbeat in the 80s. Messi carries that legacy today,” Modi added.
📌 Maradona’s Achievements:
🏆 FIFA Player of the 20th Century (alongside Pele)
🏆 1986 FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina
🏆 Club titles with Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Napoli, including two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup
📌 Messi’s Achievements:
🏆 2022 FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina
🏆 Record 8-time Ballon d’Or winner
🏆 Multiple UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles
🔹 India’s Growing Football Culture
🇮🇳 PM Modi also highlighted India’s rising football scene, praising both the men’s and women’s national teams for their progress.
✔️ “India has a strong football culture in many regions, and both our men’s and women’s teams are making great strides,” Modi stated.
💡 Football has seen tremendous growth in India, with leagues like ISL (Indian Super League) and grassroots development programs nurturing young talent.
🔹 Key Takeaways
✔️ Maradona was the GOAT of the 80s; Messi is the GOAT of today.
✔️ Football legends define their respective eras, and greatness is ever-evolving.
✔️ India’s football culture is on the rise, with strong performances from both men’s and women’s teams.
✔️ The global love for football continues to unite generations.
📢 Who do you think is the greatest footballer of all time? Maradona, Messi, or someone else?