Lionel Messi has transcended the shadow of Diego Maradona, marking a new era in Argentina's football identity. The Hand of God, a defining moment in Maradona's career, is now a museum piece, overshadowed by Messi's excellence. The English, who suffered a painful defeat to Argentina, consider the Hand of God a cheat, but for Argentinians, it's a symbol of Maradona's greatness. Messi, a product of a more spineless Argentina, lacks Maradona's vocabulary but has shaped a different football identity. Maradona, a brilliant yet flawed figure, embodied the essence of Argentinidad, but Messi has earned the recognition and affection of his people. The inquest into Maradona's death, which received little public interest, further highlights the shift towards Messi. Messi's triumph lies in his ability to transcend Maradona's legacy and become a symbol of his own greatness. The final against Spain will be a test of Argentina's dominance, with Messi leading the way. The team's performance against England showcased their potential, and they are now playing at 90% of their capacity. The Uruguayan journalist Emiliano Hernández Pereyra notes that Argentina's success makes Uruguayans jealous, as they possess the qualities Argentina strives for. Messi's impact on Spanish football cannot be overstated, as he has enriched the game and contributed to the development of Argentinian players. The final will be a battle of wills, with Argentina aiming to dominate and Spain seeking to defend their European championship. The outcome will determine whether Argentina can claim their third World Cup title and cement Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
