Former Argentine striker Mario Kempes decided to rain on the Lionel Messi parade following the 34-year-old winning the Copa America with Argentina.
The world champion with Argentina in 1978 came in firing with his words for Argentina national team’s No. 10 and warned that he would never reach Diego Maradona. In dialogue with ESPN Mexico (via Marca), Kempes was blunt with his unexpected criticism.
“For Messi, the misfortune is that he was the replacement for Diego Maradona. And Diego, with the idolatry that he has carried around the world, it is very difficult to overshadow him,” Kempes said.
Perhaps Messi isn’t trying to be the next Maradona or looking to surpass the country’s idol. It seems as though these comments come off as someone who feels he needs to defend the former Argentine player as the comparisons between Messi and Maradona have surfaced.
Kempes states that even if Messi wanted to reach the status of Maradona, it wouldn’t be possible. Kempes says that the 34-year-old could have four Copa America wins in a row; the World Cup separates the two players. Furthermore, the ex-striker states that comparing the two is a waste of time.
“If [Messi] wants to be better than Maradona, he is not going to achieve it even if he wins four world championships in a row … He still does not have the title of world champion. The World Cup does not have it,” Kempe said. “No matter how much he wins what he wins, it can never be compared to what Diego did.”
Kempe’s or whatever u are called, u are a big fool. In football, no one can ever b compared to Messi. Messi sits alone whenever football is being mentioned. Messi has 6 Ballon d’ors + a 7th one loading to his name. Even Brazilians supported Messi against their own country. Messi plays with his natural strength and abilities unlike ur so called Maradona that had to use drugs to perform. Even Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo Nozaro 9, Zidane and the rest greats in football cannot boast of d longevity Messi and Ronaldo 7 has endured in football. It’s obvious Kempes dat u hate Messi bcos he has eclipsed u guys and d rest of d world in football and in fame.
Kempes should read and understand the Bible, envy is bad & I nolonger respect kempes, so he thought he is on same level with Messi 🤣🤣 big shame to Kempes
perfectly said messi is The g.o.a.t he has no competiter
Kempe’s thunder will strike you, messi remains the best in the world. Jealousy this is not drug Diego, but natural messi.Kempe’s who knows you fool