Legendary former Bangladesh footballer Sheikh Mohammad Aslam believes Diego Maradona is still the greatest of all time despite Lionel Messi's long last triumph at the World Cup in Qatar last Sunday.
The two Argentine greats guided their country to the finals of the greatest show on earth twice and each won the trophy once.
Messi has long been compared with Maradona for his remarkable performance, scoring feats, individual achievements and success at club level, but the only silverware missing from his illustrious career was the World Cup.
The 35-year old now has more appearances, goals, assists, individual awards and records than Maradona for both club and country.
“Messi is not the greatest of all time because Pele and Maradona will always be there and he can't overcome the duo,” Aslam, the prolific striker of the 1980s, told Dhaka Tribune.
“When Pele and Maradona played, football was different at that time. But in modern football of the 21st century, I think Messi is the best.”
Aslam started supporting Argentina since 1978 after being impressed by the performance of Mario Kempes and Co who lifted the nation's first ever World Cup trophy at home.
“It was because of Maradona's almost sole effort that earned Argentina its second World Cup in 1986. The way he scored the goal of the century against England was unbelievable,” said Aslam.
“Maradona introduced Argentine football in a new light. He was indomitable with the ball. His speed was outstanding. He used to cover more spaces on the pitch than Messi ever did.
“My GOAT is still Maradona. If his life had not been affected by many ups and downs, we would have seen longevity in his career.”