Modi Discusses Football Legends and India's Growing Football Culture

Prime Minister Modi Discusses Football Legends and India's Growing Football Culture

In a recent podcast with renowned computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi weighed in on the long-standing debate over football's greatest player. While acknowledging the sport's deep-rooted popularity in India, Modi highlighted the impact of different legends across generations.

When asked about the greatest of all time (GOAT), Modi pointed to Diego Maradona as the defining figure of his era. "Back in the 1980s, one name that always stood out was Maradona. For that generation, he was seen as a true hero, and if you ask today's generation, they'll immediately mention Messi," PM Modi said.

The Argentine icon, famous for leading his country to World Cup glory in 1986, remains one of the most revered figures in football history. However, Modi also acknowledged the dominance of Lionel Messi in the modern era, indicating how perceptions of greatness evolve over time.

During the conversation, Modi also emphasized India's growing football culture. He praised the progress of both the men's and women's teams, noting that the sport continues to develop across various regions in the country. "It's absolutely true that many regions in India have a strong football culture. Our women's football team is performing really well, and the men's team is also making great progress," he added.

Diego Armando Maradona was named "Player of the 20th Century" by FIFA, along with Pele. He began his professional career with Argentinos Juniors at the age of 16 and went on to become one of the greatest players to ever play the game of football. He achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including winning league titles with Boca Juniors and Napoli, as well as a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.