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The never-ending GOAT debate has split opinions in recent years and Colombia icon Carlos Valderrama has weighed in with his thoughts.
Carlos Valderrama added his voice to the ongoing debate over the greatest footballer of all time (GOAT).
While supporting his native Colombia at the just concluded 2024 Copa America in the USA, the former Colorado Rapids midfielder shared his thoughts on the matter.
READ ALSO: 5 stats that show how Messi dominated Ronaldo during their 9-year La Liga battle
Carlos Valderrama ends GOAT debate
When asked by commentator Luis Omar Tapia if Lionel Messi should be considered the GOAT, Valderrama responded without hesitation:
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"For me, it's Diego." He was referring to the late Argentine icon Diego Armando Maradona.
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Tapia pressed Valderrama for clarification, asking what Maradona had that Messi didn't. Valderrama replied,
"Leadership. The leadership is different. And let's not forget, Maradona played with different teams. Messi's Barcelona was full of stars, wasn't it? On the other hand, Diego didn't have that luxury."
Valderrama's comments highlight the enduring legacy of Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986.
Meanwhile, Chelsea legend N'Golo Kante had a different response when asked, insisting that Messi remains the GOAT over Cristiano Ronaldo and Maradona. You can read all about that here.
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