Many football fans have wondered if there is any family connection between two of the greatest players in the history of the game: Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Both are Argentinian legends who have dazzled the world with their skills, goals, and achievements. But are they related by blood or by marriage? The answer is no, but there is a link between them that involves another famous footballer. Here is the truth behind the rumors about Maradona and Messi’s relationship.
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The Godfather of Benjamin Aguero
The only way that Maradona and Messi are related is through Sergio Aguero, the Manchester City striker and Messi’s close friend and teammate in the national team. Aguero was married to Maradona’s daughter, Giannina, from 2008 to 2012, and they had a son together named Benjamin. Messi is the godfather of Benjamin, who is also Maradona’s grandson. Therefore, Messi and Maradona are not biologically related, but they share a bond through Benjamin.
According to Classic Football Shirts Collection, Messi and Aguero met when they were teenagers playing for Argentina’s youth teams, and they became good friends. They also played together in the 2008 Olympics, where they won the gold medal for Argentina. Messi was invited to be the godfather of Benjamin when he was born in 2009, and he accepted the honor. Messi has often visited Benjamin and played with him, and he even gave him a signed Barcelona shirt as a gift.
The Comparison Between Two Geniuses
Although Maradona and Messi are not related, they have often been compared by fans and media as two of the best players ever. Both have worn the number 10 shirt for Argentina and Barcelona, and both have scored amazing goals that have been compared to each other. For example, Messi’s solo goal against Getafe in 2007 was very similar to Maradona’s goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. Both players dribbled past several defenders from their own half before scoring.
However, there are also many differences between them, both on and off the pitch. Maradona was a charismatic and controversial figure who had a turbulent life marked by drug addiction, scandals, and health problems. He also won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, something that Messi has not been able to achieve yet. Messi, on the other hand, is a quiet and humble person who prefers to avoid the spotlight and focus on his family and football. He has also won more trophies and awards than Maradona, including six Ballon d’Ors.
According to MARCA, the relationship between Maradona and Messi was one of admiration and respect, but not friendship. Maradona praised Messi as the best player in the world, but he also criticized him for his lack of personality and leadership. Messi spoke of his admiration for Maradona’s influence on the game, but he also distanced himself from his controversies and comments. They worked together when Maradona was the coach of Argentina from 2008 to 2010, but they did not have a close bond.
The Legacy of Two Legends
Maradona passed away on November 25th, 2020, at the age of 60, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death shocked the world of football and prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, players, and celebrities. Messi was one of them, who posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram account. He wrote: “A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not go away, because Diego is eternal. I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
Messi also paid homage to Maradona by wearing his Newell’s Old Boys shirt after scoring a goal for Barcelona against Osasuna on November 29th, 2020. Newell’s Old Boys was the club where Messi started his career as a child, and where Maradona played briefly in 1993. Messi revealed his Newell’s shirt with Maradona’s number 10 on it under his Barcelona shirt, and pointed to the sky with both hands. It was a gesture that moved millions of people around the world.
Maradona and Messi may not be related by blood or by marriage, but they are related by football. They are two icons of Argentina and the sport that have inspired generations of fans and players with their talent and passion. They are two unique and unrepeatable geniuses that will always be remembered as legends of the game.
