Despite an exceptional record and a legendary career, Lionel Messi, now at Inter Miami, remains the target of virulent criticism in Argentina. Former Albiceleste goalkeeper Hugo Gatti did not mince his words in an interview with The Nationreigniting the eternal debates about Messi’s impact and status compared to other legends.
“Messi plays easy football” according to Gatti
At 37, Messi is often praised for his exploits, notably his coronation at the 2022 World Cup and his two Copa América. But for Hugo Gatti, the merit of this world triumph would go more to Emiliano Martinez, the team’s goalkeeper: “Dibu was the best by far. All Argentinian players must suck Dibu’s d…. He’s the one who won everything. »
The former goalkeeper also criticizes the conditions in which Messi evolved, saying that he benefited from an “ideal” environment at FC Barcelona: “He played easy football, in a team built for him. Nobody kicked him. » Gatti did not fail to point out that, unlike Diego Maradona, who was often physically abused on the pitch, Messi would have been protected: “Maradona fell and got up again. Touch Messi, he doesn’t move. »
The comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo
Gatti, never gentle with the “Pulga”, believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is more deserving, even limited by age: “It’s more difficult to play in Saudi Arabia. Cristiano, even limited, remains a phenomenon. He has played in the best teams in the world, while Messi has only known Barcelona and Argentina. » According to him, Messi’s exile in MLS would be further proof of the ease of his career: “He plays country football in the United States. »
Gatti’s comments reignite the debate between supporters of Messi, Maradona, and Ronaldo. If Messi is often perceived as one of the greatest players in history, these critics emphasize that his career, as glorious as it is, remains subject to interpretation and comparison.
