Sports
‘Better than Messi and Ronaldo’
Lionel Messi once commented that he and Cristiano Ronaldo “pushed each other on” because they were both intensely competitive — which might actually be putting it mildly. Having two of the greatest players in football history performing at their absolute peak at the same time, and in the same league, felt almost unbelievable.
Yet that was exactly the reality as the pair battled for supremacy in Spain and across Europe, particularly during the fiercest years of the El Clasico rivalry. Watching their clashes sometimes felt like a footballing version of Irving Berlin and Ethel Merman’s Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.
Their October 2012 meeting, which ended in a 2–2 draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid, was a perfect example.
Ronaldo struck first with a powerful left-footed effort at Victor Valdes’ near post in the 22nd minute. Messi quickly responded, though, levelling the match in the 30th minute with the sharp instincts of a classic poacher.
Around the hour mark, Messi produced a moment of brilliance, bending a superb free-kick beyond Iker Casillas to put Barcelona ahead. But Ronaldo refused to be overshadowed, restoring parity just five minutes later with a composed finish to make it 2–2.
That match was only one chapter in the many memorable battles between the two Ballon d’Or rivals in La Liga. Spanish football has felt noticeably different since their departures. The debate over who was the better player still divides opinion, and although Glenn Hoddle admires both, he believes neither can simply be labelled the greatest.
Glenn Hoddle On “Phenomenon” Better Than Ronaldo And Messi
Few football images are as iconic as Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar while perched on Sergio Aguero’s shoulders. Another unforgettable moment is Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating with the Champions League trophy while holding up five fingers to symbolise his titles.
Pele created a similar piece of footballing imagery decades earlier when he raised the World Cup high above his head in Mexico in 1970. And whenever Diego Maradona’s name is mentioned, many immediately think of the infamous “Hand of God” moment — something England supporters have never quite forgotten.
The Argentine legend was such an extraordinary talent that even when he bent the rules, he seemed to do it with flair. Just minutes after that controversial goal, he scored what would become known as the “Goal of the Century”, embarking on a breathtaking run from inside his own half. Maradona glided past Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick before rounding Peter Shilton and finishing brilliantly.
Years later, Hoddle said:
“It was the rascal in him that did that. Then the second goal was out of this world. In many ways that summed up Diego. The first with the rascal and then the genius with that goal”
Maradona captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 at just 25 years old, delivering performances that elevated him into a class of his own. Whenever El Pibe de Oro received the ball, something magical seemed likely to happen. His dribbling mesmerised defenders during an era when very few players could match his creativity or control. Hoddle would later put Maradona’s ability above Messi and Ronaldo’s:
“For me, he was the best player on the planet at the time and the best I have ever seen – even better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.”
His exceptional ability was clear when he joined Barcelona in 1982, but it was during his time at Napoli that Maradona truly reached legendary status. He led the Italian club to two Serie A titles while also shining on the international stage. Among those who faced him was Glenn Hoddle, who lined up in England’s midfield during that famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City.
Many supporters still wonder how Maradona would have adapted to modern football. Hoddle believes he would have thrived in any era.
“What he could do on these pitches now would be phenomenal, and with the rules as well. So yeah, it has got to be Maradona (the best of all-time).”
The only occasion Hoddle actually shared a pitch with Maradona came during Ossie Ardiles’ testimonial in 1986. They were part of a star-studded midfield that also featured Chris Waddle and Ardiles himself.
“That night at White Hart Lane for Ossie’s testimonial, it was fabulous to play with him. As soon as we got on the pitch, we just gelled. It was an incredible evening and I loved every minute of it.”
Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, following a heart attack. His death prompted a wave of tributes across the football world, mourning one of the sport’s most influential figures. Two years later, fans were treated to Messi’s World Cup triumph in 2022 — a moment many felt carried echoes of Argentina’s original footballing icon.
Tottenham Wanted to Sign Maradona
In the mid-1990s, Maradona nearly became a familiar presence at White Hart Lane. Ardiles attempted to bring his fellow Argentine to north London during his time managing Tottenham.
After retiring as a player, Ardiles — who scored 25 goals in 311 appearances for Spurs — took charge of the club in 1993. Around that time, Maradona was considering his next move after leaving Sevilla following difficulties with the Spanish side. A transfer to the Premier League briefly appeared possible, but off-field complications ultimately prevented it. Ardiles would later reveal:
“Yes. As a manger [of Tottenham] there was a possibility of bringing Diego to the club, yes. But Diego, at the time, was in a very bad state himself.”
He added:
“In 1992 he went to Sevilla in Spain but before he had serious problems in Italy at Napoli with so many people. At the end of the day I imagined him coming here, to England, and because of his history, I put everything into balance and I thought it would be far too much for Diego.”
Ardiles later claimed that Maradona “would have loved to come and play for Tottenham”, though English supporters never had the chance to see him perform in the top flight.
In their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup begins, England took on Costa Rica. Although the game was delayed by 30 minutes due to bad weather in Orlando, the Three Lions made a strong start and dominated throughout to win the game 3-0.
This was the last chance for Thomas Tuchel to get a look at his players before the tournament begins, with games against Croatia, Ghana and Panama to come in Group L. Having beaten New Zealand 1-0, which was an uninspired last outing, supporters would have been hoping to get a little more excitement in this match, and things certainly started brighter here.
It took just 10 minutes for England to get the breakthrough. Anthony Gordon powered past his man to reach the byline before cutting a pass back to Declan Rice, who swept the ball into the bottom corner with his weaker foot.
The other notable incident of the first half was when Noni Maduke ran through on goal, rounded the goalkeeper, but somehow then managed to hit the post. Gordon also won a soft penalty, which was correctly overturned thanks to the intervention of VAR.
The second half saw a whole host of changes made, with substitute Eberechi Eze’s shot leading to a handball and a penalty, which was converted by Gordon. Ollie Watkins then added a third with a poacher’s finish with only minutes to play.
England Ace Struggles vs Costa Rica
With Bukayo Saka not fully fit, it remains unclear if the Arsenal star will start against Croatia in England’s opener. Tuchel explained in the week: “Bukayo is just not there yet. Some things are missing… consecutive trainings. They took very good care of him [at Arsenal] and were very aware of it and we will do a little bit the same. He is at the moment not able to do every training session through the week and then play. He is still going to be managed.”
As such, Madueke was given the nod against Costa Rica. Although the 24-year-old worked hard and looked lively at times, his lack of quality when the big moments came his way was evident. At half-time, ITV pundits Roy Keane and Ian Wright both agreed Madueke needed to do more with his end product.
The most eye-catching moment came when he was put through on goal by Jude Bellingham. He took a fine touch to go around the goalkeeper but then missed the open goal, hitting the post. Wright claimed the winger should have used his right foot, while Keane simply insisted it didn’t matter which foot, he should have still scored.
Madueke was then replaced by Saka in the 63rd minute.
England Fans Not Satisfied With Madueke Ahead of World Cup
With Madueke looking like he could start ahead of Saka, should his Arsenal teammate not be deemed fit enough for that World Cup tie on 17 June, England fans have expressed their concerns. Indeed, many were unimpressed by the player vs Costa Rica, insisting he should not be given a place in Tuchel’s first starting XI of the tournament.
One fan said: [This first half has proved two things, England have no chance at winning the World Cup & Madueke + Bellingham should not start a single game.’
Another asked: ‘Madueke. How can he possibly start for England?’ While a third said:
‘Madueke is simply not good enough to play for England.’
A fourth wrote: ‘If England need to win this World Cup, Madueke shouldn’t start any of their games.’
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Reacting directly to the miss, another remarked: ‘That was woeful from Madueke.’ One more added:
‘Madueke that is absolutely shocking. Get yourself on a plane home immediately.’
Others summed up the mood, noting: ‘Madueke is shocking. Absolutely shocking’. And finally: ‘Nah Madueke cannot start for England, how on earth has he missed that?’
Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an ambitious move to sign James Trafford in a potential big-money double deal, according to TEAMtalk.
Tottenham chiefs know that big changes need to be made this summer if they are to bring the club back up the Premier League table next season.
The first stage of that process was to appoint Roberto De Zerbi on a long-term contract, and now they need to provide the Italian with a squad capable of finishing higher up the league in England’s top tier.
Yves Bissouma was confirmed as leaving the club on Wednesday following the expiry of his contract, but Ben Davies has signed a new deal to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They have also completed two incoming agreements in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, with the former already officially announced by the club.
More new additions are set to follow though, with the club also in talks over a deal to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Dutchman would be the second centre-back signing should a deal be agreed with the Seagulls, with the player already deciding he only wants to sign for Spurs, suggesting a big exit could be coming in that position.
Tottenham Primed to Make James Trafford Move
As well as Van Hecke, Tottenham are also in talks over a deal to bring Manchester City attacker Savinho to north London.
Spurs attempted to sign the Brazilian winger this time last year, although they were unable to get a transfer over the line.
Tottenham chiefs are hoping for better luck this time around, and the £60m-rated 22-year-old could end up being part of a double transfer agreement if the north Londoners have their way.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are primed to make a move for City goalkeeper James Trafford, as their busy summer of recruitment continues.
The report says that the club see the ‘world-class’ stopper as a reliable, long-term option for the goalkeeper position, despite a tough season for the England international at the Etihad due to limited minutes.
Should Vicario leave Tottenham, then De Zerbi has identified £40m-rated Trafford as an ideal fit for his possession-based style of football.
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Tottenham Face James Trafford Transfer Competition
Tottenham might not have it all their own way in any bid to land Trafford though, who is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs having found himself being the number two option at City behind Gianluigi Donnarumma this term.
The 23-year-old is emerging as a strong candidate to replace Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa, with the Argentina international currently being linked with a move to Juventus.
Newcastle United also have a long-term interest in the England international, having tried to sign him before his move to the Etihad.
The report suggests that Trafford would be keen on a switch to St James’ Park even without European football next season, if he was guaranteed more first-team minutes.
Leeds United are also keen on the former Burnley man as they look to secure a new number one before the 2026-27 campaign gets underway.
England‘s friendly match with Costa Rica has been delayed after a weather warning was issued for the area surrounding Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay.
The match, which serves as the Three Lions’ final action until they begin their 2026 World Cup campaign, had been due to kick-off at 9pm UK time on Wednesday evening.
However, a weather warning was issued on the big screen at the stadium, telling supporters to “take shelter” amid heavy storms and flooding to the pitch.
England Confirm Delay to Costa Rica Friendly
The official England Twitter account confirmed the news of the delayed kick-off on social media. A brief statement read:
“Tonight’s game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando. We will provide further updates as soon as we have them.”
Although no official timeframe was given for when the game is likely to get underway, a report from The Mirror stated that the fixture is still expected to take place this evening.
Extreme weather conditions are known to frequently disrupt US sporting fixtures during the summer months. A total of six matches were halted during last summer’s Club World Cup due to storms.
One game that was hit particularly badly was Chelsea’s round of 16 tie with Benfica, which took more than four-and-a-half hours to complete after it was disrupted due to weather.
With just a week to go until England’s opening Group L game against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, England boss Thomas Tuchel will be hopeful that the weather clears enough for the match to be staged as he looks to finalise preparations for his first tournament in charge.
England were last in action on Saturday, where the side laboured to a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in which few players made a positive impression.
An update from ITV Football indicates that the match will go ahead, with a kick-off time of 22:00pm (UK) now expected. Conditions may be less than ideal, but Tuchel will be grateful for the opportunity to see his side in action.
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