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Updated February 28th, 2020 at 11:35 IST

Lionel Messi is in decline and can't match my achievements, says Diego Maradona

Lionel Messi's sub-par performance against Napoli has sparked Diego Maradona to state the Barcelona midfielder is in decline by comparing his own achievements.

Reported by: Arnold Dsouza
Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi has been called out by Diego Maradona following Barcelona's 1-1 draw against Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League at the Stadio Sao Paolo. Lionel Messi has shown some unfamiliar form over the course of the season and Diego Maradona has opened up on the supposed Lionel Messi decline. The Argentine legend has revealed due to a Lionel Messi decline in form over the recent past, the Barcelona attacker cannot be in the same conversation as the Diego Maradona achievements story.

Lionel Messi decline 

Also Read | Atletico Madrid Fined For 'Griezmann Die' Chants During Game Against Barcelona

Before the visit to Naples, comparisons were drawn up between Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. The list of Diego Maradona achievements in Italy come second to none and the stage was set for Messi to shine at a stadium where his predecessor was idolized for years together. However, a relatively tame performance from the 32-year-old Blaugrana captain suggested that the Lionel Messi decline story might well be real. Following the draw, Argentina icon Diego Maradona gave a scathing remark on the possibility of a Lionel Messi decline. 

Also Read | Napoli 'will Buy Helmets And Armour' For Second Leg Against Barcelona: Gennaro Gattuso

Diego Maradona achievements 

The 59-year-old Diego Maradona is held in high regard among the Napoli fans and played an integral part in winning the club's only two Serie A titles. The Diego Maradona achievements with Barcelona include a Spanish Super Cup, League Cup and a Spanish Cup that glossed his illustrious career.  

Also Read | Napoli Vs Barcelona Highlights: Griezmann Strike Helps Barcelona Escape Italy With Draw

Certainly, winning six Ballon d'Or awards was never in the Diego Maradona achievements section, but it's obvious that the most glorious instance in the Diego Maradona achievements section is the FIFA World Cup and that is something that cannot be won by Argentina with a Lionel Messi decline in performances. If a Lionel Messi decline is on the cards in the near future, there are chances that he might not be able to go past the list of Diego Maradona achievements since a World Cup is all that remains. 

Also Read | Lionel Messi Unstoppable: Gennaro Gattuso Ahead Of Napoli Vs Barcelona UCL Clash

Lionel Messi decline could affect Barcelona

Barcelona could be impacted heavily with a Lionel Messi decline in form as they are currently in a transition phase. Having not won a Champions League title since the summer of 2015, the La Liga giants are heavily reliant on their star No. 10. There may not be a massive slump in a Lionel Messi decline but a gradual decline can be observed, fans have claimed after the Napoli clash.

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Published February 27th, 2020 at 19:35 IST

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