“Lionel Messi is a challenge to modern football,” says Jorge Valdano, champion in Mexico 1986

Jorge Valdano was world champion in Mexico in 1986 and scored one of the Argentine goals in the final, won 3-2 against Germany. The eyes of the man from Santa Fe shine when he talks about his country, his team. In his memory is what he lived with the Albiceleste and in his heart the force that Lionel Messi provokes is as strong as the echo of his words. A voice more than authorized to talk about the final this Sunday. The former Real Madrid striker and manager spoke to the newspaper ACE.

What do you think of the finale? Are the best coming?

They are two of the favorites of the several that there were. Perhaps the ones that made the most noise when they fell were England and Brazil, but these are worthy finalists. They lost their virginity along the way. Neither of them arrives undefeated. But there are different categories also in defeat. France fell with substitutes, Argentina lost an unexpected match.

What else can be said about Messi? We are running out of words, Jorge…

It is very difficult to find words. I remember that in the 1970 final, a Brazilian journalist whom I greatly admire said about Pelé: “I live on them, where are the words!” With Messi there is a kind of literary contest to see who is capable of completing it as the star figure of the tournament. It is very difficult because he has decided to synthesize football. As was the case with Diego Maradona, 10 seconds are enough for him to tell us what this game is.

Is he another Messi or have we seen two Messis in one throughout his career?

He is a genius, but a thousand matches give genius wisdom. One fine day he went from a right winger to a false striker and started a revolution at the Santiago Bernabéu. For what we are seeing now, more things had to happen. This was not decided by a coach, it was decided by time. He was taking energy away from him and he had to adapt to a more rhythmic football, more walking, but just as influential. Above all, within a team that knows how to play with a genius. That is not easy.

Is Messi a challenge to modern football?

Completely. It’s a serious challenge, too. A challenge that football will lose. Against the trends not even Messi can. In addition, he also does not have that much reel left to tell us that this game can also be played running a little less. The intensity has taken over football and suddenly the revolution is made by a guy who walks.

Do you think your career deserves a World Cup or is that thought too romantic for the reality of football?

Many people say it. I’ve been with Mauro Silva (champion in 1994) and if that’s what a Brazilian says, it’s because millions of people must say it. If there were divine justice, Messi would deserve this title. But I say that from my emotion, there are other emotions that are contrary to mine and they also count. And divine justice is not usually frequent…

In front will be France and above all Kylian Mbappé, which is another scandal.

Yes, Mbappé is a different scandal, almost antagonistic. There we have the demonstration that power is taking over football. For the trend to slap us, only Erling Haaland was missing at this party (laughs). It’s another way to be fascinating. Soccer manages to discover original talents that we haven’t met before and who are imposing themselves resoundingly. Who can argue with Mbappé.

Play at another speed. Mbappé is an earthquake in the race.

And he has patience to wait for his moment. The athletic conditions that he meets are impressive. It is not the same as what Ricardo Bochini said about Johan Cruyff: “he runs a lot but plays well…”. This one runs fast but plays well. (D)