“They have eyes in the back of their heads” - Argentina legend highlights why Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are players from ‘another planet’

Argentine legend Ubaldo Fillol has opined on what sets Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona apart from other footballers in history. All three men have won the FIFA World Cup with La Albiceleste and are considered among the greatest ever.

While Maradona missed out on a place in the Argentina squad that won their first World Cup in 1978, Fillol was a starter for the South American giants. He was named the tournament's best goalkeeper and is still regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. He witnessed the rise of Maradona and played alongside him for the national side.

Fillol recently spoke to FIFA's official website about Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami man has been compared to Maradona throughout his career and even had a chance to work with him for the national team. Fillol praised them for their extraordinary visions, saying they have eyes at the back of their heads.

Fillol said (via intermiami.news):

“He [Maradona] always gave me a certain feeling, like Messi gives me now. I spoke to Fernando Signorini, who was his physical trainer for many years, and I said to him, ‘Fernando, do you know the feeling that Messi gives me, just like Diego?’"

“They have eyes in the back of their heads. They saw everything, they anticipated everything. You’d be out there on the pitch when Diego would receive the ball with his back to goal, and you always had to be on your toes, whether he was 10, 30 or 40 metres away. They’re players from another planet," he added.

Lionel Messi has been arguably the best player in the world for a decade-and-a-half, indicating impressive levels of quality and longevity. The 37-year-old is still active and a part of the Argentina squad in the ongoing Copa America in the USA.

German legend likens young duo to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona

German legend Lothar Matthaus has reserved the highest praise for youngsters Jamal Musiala (Germany) and Lamine Yamal (Spain) after their displays at Euro 2024. The pair of attackers starred for their countries, as they qualified for the first knockout round of Euro 2024, and were likened to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

Matthaus praised the two attacking midfielders for their exquisite close control and high technical levels. He made the comparison with Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona in a conversation with Mundo Deportivo.

"Maradona, Messi and now Yamal or Musiala."

Musiala and Yamal are regarded among the best young players in world football. Both were nominated for the Golden Boy Award in 2023. They will have a key role to play in the knockout stages of the Euros for their respective countries if they wish to win the tournament.