As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the enduring legacy of Diego Maradona looms large over modern stars Messi and Neymar, who are set to chase records established by the Argentinian great.
With only a few months left until the start of the 2026 World Cup, numerous records can potentially be shattered in this tournament, except for one held by the legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona. A report from "Marca" highlights that football during Maradona's era did not offer the same protections seen by today's stars. The absence of technologies like VAR and stricter penalties for violent play meant that stopping Maradona often required a full physical confrontation, highlighting the tough nature of the sport at the time.
According to data from the Argentinian magazine "OlΓ©", Maradona faced extraordinary levels of fouls since statistics began to be recorded in 1970. This includes a staggering total of 152 fouls during only 21 matches, averaging approximately 7.23 fouls per match, a terrifying statistic by modern standards. Particularly in the 1986 World Cup, he was fouled 53 times in a single tournament, while in the 1982 World Cup, he received 23 fouls alone, indicating the relentless physicality he endured on the pitch.
Messi and Neymar now aim to chase the legacy of Maradona as they compete in the upcoming World Cup. The historical gap between Maradona and other players underscores the transformation in the dynamics of the sport over the decades. As they prepare for this significant tournament, the question remains whether Messi and Neymar can replicate or even surpass the iconic achievements of Maradona amidst the evolving landscape of football.
