Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Thursday, 26 March 2026, 14:39 / Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2026 14:41
The legend of Argentina, Gabriel Batistuta (57 years old), spoke openly and emotionally about the disappearance of Diego Armando Maradona, regretting the fact that no one was able to help him in the last moments of his life.
Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers in the history of football, died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.
Batistuta, on Diego Maradona: “I didn't do enough for him”
The former great striker, who shared the dressing room with Maradona at the 1994 World Cup, admitted he feels guilty about the way things turned out:
“Ehe is an extraordinary man, with his problems, but a great man. I always tried to tell him the truth.“
Batistuta continued with an extremely harsh statement:
“He died alone, no one was by his side. He died like a dog. We didn't do enough for him, let's protect him. I blame myself too”, said Batistuta, according to Diario AS.
Gabriel Batistuta and Diego Maradona, 1994 World Cup // PHOTO: Getty Images
Striker fears for Messi: “I hope it doesn't happen again”
The former goalscorer of the South Americans also expressed his concern for the future of Lionel Messi, hoping that history does not repeat itself:
“If you love someone, you have to help them when they need it, even if it's difficult. It gave us incredible moments. I hope the same doesn't happen with Messi.“
They are different. Messi scored over 1,000 goals, and Maradona far fewer (901). Messi is a calm guy, and Maradona was not. Maradona was the best because he could play, control the referee and the opponent. He was capable of doing incredible things, and Messi can do that too, but he lacks that charisma, that charm.
Messi is at his highest level for over 20 years. It's just incredible. Even at Inter Miami, he still wants to score and win; remain competitive. I am sure he will do an excellent job at the World Championship.– Gabriel Batistuta, according to the cited source
55 goalshe has Batistuta in 78 selections for the national team
Diego Maradona, a soccer giant
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Maradona played for 6 clubs: Argentinos (1976-1981), Boca (1981-1982 and 1995-1997), Barcelona (1982-1984), Napoli (1984-1991), Sevilla (1991-1992) and Newell's (1993-1994);
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312 goals were scored by Diego Maradona in 588 matches played throughout his career in club teams;
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“El Pibe de Oro” collected 91 caps for the Argentine national team between 1977-1994;
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El Diez won 10 trophies, the most important being the World Cup (1986), Serie A titles (1987, 1990) and the UEFA Cup (1989).
