Leo and Zizou have offered clear definitions of modern and past football, naming their idols and sharing a mutual respect that transcends generations.
Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane came together at a gathering hosted by the sportswear brand that outfits them both, and what emerged was a landmark football conversation between two of the greatest players in history.
In the exchange, both stars expressed deep admiration for one another, reflected on childhood idols, discussed the meaning of the number 10 shirt, and contemplated the impact of Diego Armando Maradona.
Next, GOAL repeats the core themes of the dialogue
What Maradona means
Messi explained that in Argentina the number 10 carries a sacred weight because it instantly evokes Maradona. For kids who grew up playing football, the dream was to emulate him. Yet, as time passes, that wish endures to try to imitate what Maradona achieved.
Diego was the player they admired, a figure seen through the years as a source of inspiration. Messi recalled watching videos while growing up and noted that Diego’s influence extended beyond national borders; to him, Maradona remains the ultimate reference and idol.
Messi emphasized that Diego’s significance will carry on for many years, handed down from one generation to the next. Even Messi’s own children know about Diego through stories and footage, and his role in Argentina’s football history is seen as a global legacy.
The number 10 shirt
Zidane, reflecting on childhood, recalled that many young players wanted the number 10 because it signified leadership on the field.
Messi added that the number 10 once symbolized a distinct archetype—the playmaker and the creator. Modern tactical setups have shifted, with teams in 4-3-3 formations often using the ten in more varied roles. There are still players who embody that traditional ten, like Riquelme or Aimar, but the archetype has evolved. The game’s evolution has changed how the ten fits into systems, making entry into that role more challenging for new generations.
Francescoli and Aimar, children’s idols
Zidane recalled admiring Enzo Francescoli during his youth, praising the elegance with the ball and noting how Francescoli seemed almost magical on the field.
Messi remembered River Plate’s era as a defining period, acknowledging Enzo as a pivotal figure who helped shape his own football journey. He also spoke of Pablo Aimar, whose playing style he admired and whom he followed closely during a golden River Plate era, highlighting how Diego’s influence complemented that admiration.
The game Messi would like to play again
Messi reflected on his career path with a sense of gratitude for the joy and the heartbreak he encountered along the way. He suggested that if certain outcomes turned out differently, they would have fit the journey. He hinted that a poignant moment from the 2014 World Cup final remains a personal thorn, even as he acknowledges the redemption found in later World Cup performances.
The best match of Zidane’s career
Zidane chose not to single out a single best match, but he highlighted a standout moment from his Juventus days. In a Champions League semi-final against Ajax, his team won 4-1 in Turin, and the rematch carried its own significance. He noted that many memories from that period are appreciated more fully now.
The most important goal of Leo’s career
Messi stated that scoring in a World Cup final would be among the most meaningful goals of his life, signaling a pinnacle that both of them acknowledge would be profoundly significant for any player.
The toughest rival Zidane faced
Zidane described the opponents who tested him the most, naming Paolo Maldini as exceptionally intelligent and difficult to outmaneuver. He also cited Lilian Thuram as a formidable challenge, illustrating the high bar he faced at the highest levels of the game.
Messi agreed that Thuram posed a severe challenge, acknowledging his strength on the field.