Diego Maradona will always be the GOAT, even if Lionel Messi wins the World Cup, insists Argentina and Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles

Lionel Messi will never be better than Diego Maradona, even if he finally lifts the World Cup in Qatar.

That’s according to Argentina legend Ossie Ardiles, who insists Maradona will always be the one true GOAT.

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Messi is lucky to enjoy a golden ending to what is likely to be his last World Cup, as Argentina take on France in the final on Sunday – with live commentary on talkSPORT.

Aside from the action in Qatar, one of the main talking points ahead of the final is Messi and his all-time best status.

Fans have been fighting over Messi against Cristiano Ronaldo for years, and many believe winning the World Cup would see Messi settle the GOAT debate once and for all.

But, according to 1978 World Cup winner Ardiles, there is another Argentine who already holds that crown, and Messi will never reach his level.

Ossie played alongside the late, great Maradona when football was a different game, where pitches weren’t the meticulously manicured green carpets of today, where balls were heavy and cumbersome and strikers were getting sent off ten bells every game.

And while he says Messi is winning the battle with Ronaldo as the best of his generation, Ardiles still says Maradona is alone up front.

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“I wouldn’t say ahead of Diego, I would say maybe tied,” said the Tottenham icon and former Argentina international.

“Messi is an absolutely wonderful, wonderful player.

“I have no doubt, by far, that he is the best player of his generation, and of course he is one of the best in the history of football.

“But I would say he can’t be at Maradona’s level, and personally I would go for Maradona.

“Because when we were playing football I think it was much more difficult for a skilled player to play, that’s why I will say Maradona.

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“He will always be a touch, touch, touch better than Messi.”

Asked about his prediction ahead of the final, it’s priceless to guess who Ardiles is backing – although he admits the Argentine will be wary of the Kylian Mbappe threat.

“The only worry is Mbappe,” he added.

“No matter how you mark him, he will always find space and find the ball and it’s the final, so he will be very dangerous.

“I expect him to play a major role in the final but, on the other hand, I expect Lionel Messi to play an even bigger role in the final – so we’re going to win!”