Macri: Messi set example by distancing from populism that exploited Maradona

Former Argentine President Mauricio Macri has drawn a sharp distinction between football legends Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, asserting that Messi has wisely distanced himself from the populist movement he believes took advantage of Maradona.

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The populist movement (alluding to Peronism) only wants to appropriate Maradona and struggles to accept Messi. Perhaps because Messi was educated for a large part of his life in Europe, far from populism... Messi has set an example by distancing himself as much as possible from the transgressive behaviors of populism.

"The populist movement (alluding to Peronism) only wants to appropriate Maradona and struggles to accept Messi," Macri stated in an interview with L'Équipe. "Perhaps because Messi was educated for a large part of his life in Europe, far from populism... Messi has set an example by distancing himself as much as possible from the transgressive behaviors of populism."

Macri, who also served as president of the Boca Juniors football club, described Messi as a leader whose impact transcends current global communication standards. "Messi's case surpasses everything known until now because it happens in an era of global communication. He must be the person who has generated the most positive comments in the history of Humanity," he added.

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Messi's case surpasses everything known until now because it happens in an era of global communication. He must be the person who has generated the most positive comments in the history of Humanity.

The conservative politician, who has led FIFA's Foundation since 2020, characterized the Barcelona legend as "a humble and serious leader, both in victory and defeat." Macri's comments come ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

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a humble and serious leader, both in victory and defeat.