Ahead of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final against Spain in New York on Sunday, former India international Bhaichung Bhutia discusses comparisons between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. The focus of the remarks is the relative standing of Messi “above” Maradona specifically in World Cup achievements. The articles note that Messi leads Argentina as the defending World Cup champion, having guided the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With Argentina reaching the 2026 final, Bhutia’s comments frame the discussion around how Messi’s World Cup record and impact are viewed in comparison with Maradona’s legacy. The coverage presents the topic as a broader sports debate tied to the timing of the final, rather than reporting new match developments. Across the sources, the consistent details are the opponent and location of the final and the mention of Messi’s 2022 World Cup title with Argentina, alongside Bhutia’s take on the Messi-versus-Maradona question.