Maradona or Messi? A huge question that could be settled Sunday night

Determining who was the greatest left-footed Argentinian maestro is a fascinating debate.

If you appreciate both, welcome. If you have a clear preference for other players, you're welcome too. However, if you're one to harbor baseless disdain simply because you prefer Pelé over Maradona or Ronaldo over Messi, perhaps this article isn't for you. This is for those who, over the past two decades, have cherished the privilege of watching two of football's greatest legends play week in and week out. Yes, they are still playing, but their legendary status was cemented long ago.

But let's talk about the Argentinians. Maradona blazed a trail. While it's true that Argentina had already won the World Cup in 1978 without him (he was overlooked at 17 despite having already made his international debut), the campaigns of 1986 and 1990 (a final loss) were nothing short of epic.

Diego Armando had a pop-star persona, even a political dimension, especially off the pitch, that Messi has never had, never will have, and, truth be told, never seemed interested in having.

His strong personality, a life lived on the edge, drug abuse, controversies, his private life, and often contentious political statements (like his friendship with Fidel Castro) made Maradona a highly biographable figure—a dream for documentarians and authors of books and films about influential personalities.

Lionel, on the other hand, has little of that 'sexy' appeal. We know almost nothing about his private life, his mansions, or his jewelry, and he has no major scandals to his name beyond some tax disputes. He married his childhood sweetheart and remains an unenticing figure beyond the magic he creates on the pitch.

Beyond a national team and a country, Diego Armando carried a club on his shoulders. Napoli recently became Italian champions again, but it's unlikely they will ever return to the heights of the 80s and 90s.

Messi was a huge part of a fantastic Barcelona, but the Catalan club was already a giant before him and has remained one after his departure. Visit both cities (well worth the trip) and compare the 'presence' of each player.

Focusing strictly on the football, however, I believe something could change on Sunday. If Argentina loses, they will continue to share the throne. But if they win... Messi could become the new 'Dios'.