Will Messi repeat history? What Diego Maradona did in his first match after being world champion in 1986

Lionel Messi He fulfilled what for many, at this point in his career, was unthinkable. However, in Qatar he showed, once again, that at 35 he is capable of sliding on the grass like that boy who began his career in Barcelona. Comparisons with the other great idol are inevitable: Diego Armando Maradona. Let’s see how he fared in his first official match as world champion.

If we go back in time, specifically to August 1986, we will find an environment similar to the one we live in now. Argentina was world champion, thanks to the best player in the world. And after a great tournament, people were looking forward to seeing Maradona play again.

The first official match of ‘Pelusa’ after being crowned in Mexico 86′ took place on August 24 of that year. Napoli visited SPAL for the first phase of the Italian Cup. The expectations were high and the ’10 ′ did not disappoint (he very rarely did) and he dispatched himself with a goal and an assist to give his team a 2-0 victory.

The Neapolitans would end up lifting the cup in that edition with Maradona as the top figure of the tournament (yes, again). He would also be the second highest scorer with 7 goals, only behind his teammate Bruno Giordano (10 goals).

Now, in 2023, just one month after rising to maximum glory, it is the turn of his successor, Lionel Messi. The Argentine will have the opportunity to shine against Angers (colero of Ligue 1), this Wednesday, January 11.

SPAL 0-2 NAPOLI: SUMMARY AND GOALS