Overview
- Simeone spoke at a Majadahonda press conference ahead of Atlético’s LaLiga match on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, and said he would not enter the 'Maradona or Messi' choice, calling Argentines fortunate to have had both players.
- He said he had played with Diego Maradona but never with Lionel Messi, using that difference in personal experience to avoid ranking the two stars.
- Simeone grew emotional while thanking Messi for his career with the national team and said Messi taught Argentines to keep fighting when results are poor.
- The coach described Messi as 'insuperable' by the numbers and praised his long-term conduct and growth as a person and athlete.
- A clip of the conference quickly went viral on social media, and Simeone tied his tribute to an immediate team note by saying he sees teammate Julián Álvarez fit and capable of changing Atlético’s attack.