Mike Tyson chooses the greatest football player between Maradona and Messi
According to Championat.
Context
Mike Tyson, known for his boxing career, now positions himself as an influential voice in discussions about football. His friendship with Diego Maradona and respect for Lionel Messi show how sport transcends borders, uniting athletes from different disciplines. Tyson's opinion could influence public perception of these players, especially at a time when Argentine football is preparing for more international challenges.
Why this matters
Mike Tyson's opinion on who is the greatest football player between Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi brings up the eternal discussion among fans. Maradona, an icon of Argentine football, is remembered for his performance at the 1986 World Cup, while Messi continues to break records and win titles. The comparison between these two sports giants is a reflection of the passion that football awakens worldwide.
Main conclusions
- Mike Tyson chooses the greatest football player between Maradona and Messi.
- Mike Tyson named Diego Maradona as the greatest football player, but also expressed his respect for Lionel Messi.
- Майк Тайсон назвал величайшего футболиста, выбрав между Марадоной и Месси.
Mike Tyson, the legendary former world boxing champion, recently shared his opinion on who is the greatest football player in history, in a comparison between Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. The former boxer, who made history in the ring, now ventures to give his opinion on the world of football, one of the most popular sports in the world.
During an interview, Tyson was asked about his experience watching the World Cup final, where he wore an Argentine star Lionel Messi's shirt. Due to his previous relationship with Diego Maradona, who he described as a close friend, the question became inevitable: who is the greatest, Messi or Maradona?
Tyson, in all sincerity, stated: "I will always consider Maradona the greatest player in the history of football. However, that does not diminish Messi's greatness. I knew Maradona, but I don't know Messi. I have a lot of respect and affection for him, but I don't have the same connection that I had with Maradona. He was an incredible guy and, in a way, he was like a brother to me. Messi understands that."

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These words from Tyson echo the passion that many fans have for both players. Diego Maradona, who left his mark on world football with his skill and charisma, is remembered for his memorable performance at the 1986 World Cup, where he led Argentina to the title. On the other hand, Lionel Messi, considered one of the best of all time, continues to break records and win titles, including the recent victory in the 2022 World Cup, where he showed his unique ability and skill on the field.
The discussion about who is the greatest football player of all time is a recurring topic among fans and experts.Each generation has its own preferences, and comparisons between players from different eras often generate heated debates. However, Tyson's statement brings to light not only Maradona's greatness, but also the respect he has for Messi, showing that, regardless of personal opinions, the two players left an indisputable legacy in the sport.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the expectation surrounding football only increases, and figures like Tyson remind us of the rich and exciting history that this sport has, where icons like Maradona and Messi are part of a legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.
What happens next
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, discussions about legacies and comparisons between legendary players like Maradona and Messi are likely to intensify. Tyson, by expressing his opinion, could inspire more debate among fans and experts about these players' impact on football. Tyson's relationship with Maradona and his respect for Messi could also generate new interactions between icons from different sports.