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With the return of Lionel Messi after two months on the sideline for El Classico over the weekend, it once again brought together two of the greatest players of the last decade, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although the plaudits deservedly went to Andres Iniesta on the night, there is no doubt Messi and Ronaldo have been the two standout footballers of this generation, and possibly of all time.
Whenever the greatest gets mentioned, the name Diego Maradona always surfaces.
Maradona’s club record, in particularly at Napoli where he helped them to two titles and two runner-ups in the domestic league, among other titles during a golden period for the club in the late 1980s, is extremely impressive.
But leading Argentina to their second World Cup win in 1986 is considered his greatest achievement.
However to win this tournament he cheated. That’s where the debate ends with Maradona.
To achieve success through fraudulent behaviour simply means you cannot be the greatest. The greatest player of their sport simply cannot be a cheat.
Messi may have finished second at the 2014 World Cup. But to fail with honour is a greater achievement than to succeed without honour.
It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
For the record, the greatest player of all time is Messi. Ronaldo, a gifted but more self-centred star, is second best.
Maradona is in the top five. You cannot ignore his prodigious talent because of one moment of errant behaviour. The goal he scored in the same match against England cannot be ignored nor will it be forgotten.
Just like the handball.
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