Messi says he won’t forget Maradona after Argentina’s Benin match

Messi said he doesn’t want to forget Diego Maradona, crediting the late legend for putting Argentina on the world map. He spoke after playing his final match for Argentina against Benin Republic, noting that Maradona’s influence remains with him ‘every step of the way,’ both during his life and from heaven. He also recalled how Maradona’s charisma and skill brought joy to millions of Argentinians, turning football into a source of national pride. Maradona, who led Argentina to World Cup glory as a player and later coached the national team, died on November 25, 2020, at age 60.

For Nigerian football fans, Maradona’s legacy shows how a single player can elevate a nation’s sporting reputation—a reminder that individual excellence can lift national teams onto the global stage. As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its own football standing, remembering such icons can inspire players and supporters alike.

What lessons can Nigerian football take from Maradona’s impact on Argentina’s global standing, and how might that shape the way we support and develop local talent?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/08/why-i-dont-want-to-forget-diego-maradona-messi/