‘Leo has surpassed Diego’: after two decades Argentina embraces Messi
The article explores the shifting cultural landscape in Argentina, where Lionel Messi is increasingly viewed as surpassing Diego Maradona as the nation's primary football icon. It highlights how Messi's leadership has revitalized the national team's identity on the global stage.
Why it matters
It reflects the evolution of national identity and cultural icons in a country where football is deeply intertwined with the social and emotional fabric of the population.
For years Diego Maradona was Argentina’s standout football icon, but they now fully embrace Lionel Messi as well./Getty Images For years Diego Maradona was Argentina’s standout football icon, but they now fully embrace Lionel Messi as well./Getty Images Argentina ‘Leo has surpassed Diego’: after two decades Argentina embraces Messi The little maestro has hitherto lived in the shadow of Maradona who has for so long coloured the soul and defined the passion of football in Argentina
Prefer the Guardian on Google I t is time to consign Diego Maradona’s Hand of God to a museum piece. For 40 years that moment and Maradona’s unforgettable “goal of the century” coloured the soul and passion of Argentinian football. Today things are very different, and the main reason is Lionel Messi. By asserting himself over the memory of Maradona , Messi is establishing a new Argentina.
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