Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne has said that he wants Argentina to win the World Cup in Qatar because of footballing legend, Diego Maradona.
Insigne currently plays for Maradona’s former club, Napoli, but is set to leave the club in the summer as he is moving to the MLS to play for Toronto FC.
Speaking of who he will be rooting for in the World Cup later on in the year, Insigne has backed Lionel Messi and Argentina, he states that watching Messi play for his country reminds him of Maradona. Insigne also labelled Messi as the best in history behind Maradona.
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Speaking ahead of the Finalissima, Insigne said: “Argentina has Leo Messi, who for me is the best in history after Diego Maradona. I wish them success in the World Cup. Seeing Argentina is synonymous with seeing Maradona.”
Insigne will not be taking part in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar after Italy, the reigning European champions were beaten by North Macedonia in the play-off semi finals. Therefore, the Napoli winger has said that he will be rooting for Argentina for the sake of Maradona.
The passing of Maradona in 2020 left a mark on world football and especially Napoli. The Italian outfit renamed their home ground to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in honour of their former player.
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Maradona played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991, making 188 appearances in total, scoring 81 goals. During his time with the club, he won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana and the UEFA Cup. Maradona enjoyed success on the international stage too, famously scoring the ‘hand of God’ goal against England in the quarter final as Argentina ended up winning the 1986 World Cup after beating West Germany in the final in Mexico City.
Ahead of this year’s World Cup, it has been announced that Messi will captain his country in what will be his last chance win the tournament in his stellar career. Messi has backed his side to be able to compete with anyone and hopes to use the experience of winning the Copa America as fuel for achieving bigger success on the international stage.
Argentina will take on Italy at Wembley in the 2022 edition of the Finalissima, a game played between the winners of the European Championship and the Copa America champions.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Napoli, Argentina, Diego Maradona, Football World Cup
