Is Messi Related to Maradona? The Truth Behind the Rumors

Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are two of the most celebrated footballers in Argentina and the world. Both have won numerous trophies, awards and accolades for their skills, goals and achievements on the pitch. Both have also captained their national team and worn the iconic number 10 jersey. But are they related in any way? Is there a family connection between the two legends of the sport? This article will explore the truth behind the rumors and reveal if Messi is related to Maradona.

The Short Answer: No

According to various sources, Messi and Maradona are not related in any way. They both come from different backgrounds, regions and families. Messi was born in Rosario, a city in the province of Santa Fe, to middle-class parents of Italian descent. Maradona was born in Lanús, a suburb of Buenos Aires, to a poor family of indigenous and Spanish ancestry. Messi has three siblings, two brothers and a sister, while Maradona had seven siblings, four brothers and three sisters.

The only connection between Messi and Maradona’s family is through Sergio Aguero, Messi’s friend and teammate at Barcelona and Argentina. Aguero was married to Giannina Maradona, Diego’s youngest daughter, from 2008 to 2012. They have a son named Benjamin, who is Messi’s godson and Maradona’s grandson. However, this does not make Messi and Maradona related by blood or by law.

The Professional Relationship: Tumultuous

Messi and Maradona have had a professional relationship that can be described as tumultuous. As a young boy, Messi idolized Maradona and watched his videos and matches. He even scored a goal against Getafe in 2007 that was very similar to Maradona’s famous goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. However, Maradona did not seem to appreciate the comparison and downplayed Messi’s achievement.

Things improved between 2008 and 2010 when Maradona became the manager of Argentina and gave Messi a prominent role in the team. However, their collaboration ended in disappointment after Argentina lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup. Maradona blamed Messi for the defeat and criticized his performance.

After that, their relationship became more distant and strained. Maradona often made controversial comments about Messi’s leadership, personality and ability. He also questioned his commitment to Argentina and accused him of being influenced by Barcelona. Messi rarely responded to Maradona’s remarks and tried to avoid confrontation.

However, there were also moments of respect and affection between the two. In 2014, Maradona hugged Messi after he won the Golden Ball award for being the best player of the World Cup. In 2018, Maradona praised Messi for his hat-trick against Ecuador that secured Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup. In 2020, Messi paid tribute to Maradona after he passed away by wearing his Newell’s Old Boys shirt and dedicating a goal to him.

The Personal Relationship: Respectful

Despite their differences and conflicts, Messi and Maradona always maintained a respectful personal relationship. They never insulted or attacked each other publicly or privately. They always recognized each other’s talent and greatness as footballers. They also shared some common traits, such as being humble, generous and passionate about the game.

Messi once said that he admired Maradona as a player but not as a person. He also said that he did not have a close friendship with him but that he respected him a lot. He also expressed his sadness and condolences when Maradona died.

Maradona once said that he loved Messi as a player but not as a leader. He also said that he did not have a personal bond with him but that he admired him immensely. He also called him a phenomenon and a genius when he praised his skills.

The Final Word: Legends

Messi and Maradona are not related by blood or by law, but they are related by football. They are both legends of the sport who have inspired millions of fans around the world with their magic and brilliance. They are both Argentinian icons who have represented their country with pride and honor. They are both number 10s who have made history with their goals and achievements.

They are not the same, but they are both unique. They are not rivals, but they are both competitors. They are not friends, but they are both respectful. They are not one, but they are both great.

Is Messi related to Maradona? No, but they are both related to football.

Doms Desk

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