Former Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andújar spoke in an interview about the Argentina national team's performance at the recent FIFA World Cup and the welcome they received upon returning home.

The goalkeeper, who previously played for Napoli, Palermo, and Catania, participated in two FIFA World Cups and played alongside Messi, also playing under Maradona in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. When asked to compare Messi and Maradona, he said: "Argentines always love to compare: Boca-River, Maradona-Messi, even political radicals and Peronists... But Messi and Diego cannot be compared. We can only be happy that two of the top three or four greatest players in history are Argentinians; it's pointless to judge who is the greatest."

Did he anticipate that Messi, at 39, would still be so crucial? "Of course, I expected Messi to have an excellent FIFA World Cup. I saw him in Miami in March and knew he had been training individually, preparing for the tournament. He understood this might be his last, but no one can say for sure; he still has two years left on his contract with Inter Miami. If he maintains this form, he might even play another Copa América in 2028. In any case, I had always expected him to perform exceptionally. Messi will lead the team forward; he is stronger than himself. He makes everything seem simpler and makes everything possible."

How did you feel seeing him cry after the match? "Of course, it was moving. Fortunately, we haven't experienced such emotions for a long time. Our generation knows very well what it means to lose a final, and it was hard to see those images. But reaching the final twice in a row is very difficult, and this must be understood. This national team deserves only gratitude."

In the final, Scaloni's decision not to play Lautaro caused controversy. "I disagree with those who complain because Scaloni didn't play him. Argentina lost in the final due to injuries; both center-backs had issues, and we were forced to make some adjustments, and it was from that point that everything changed. Normally, Scaloni would definitely have played him. Lautaro had an excellent FIFA World Cup; I could feel that from his interviews. His importance has been demonstrated, and he will have many more opportunities to win titles for the national team in the future. He is one of the best forwards today."

Juventus is now also pursuing his former Estudiantes teammate, Mateo Pellegrino. Is the Parma forward ready for such a step up? "The Mateo I saw at 17 or 18 was a very professional player, and that's how I knew him then. His first loan spell was with me. Like Retegui, who played with me, he is ready to take a qualitative step forward. I always thought his characteristics were very similar to Palermo's. In Italy, he reminds me more of Toni: tall, strong, a focal point in the box, and he can score goals. In my opinion, he is ready for a big club; adapting might take time, but with his professionalism, there will be no problem."

Juventus is also pursuing Damián Martínez. "If you ask me what I think of Emi Martínez, I would say he is a suitable goalkeeper for any team. He has won the Best Goalkeeper award, and his passion and personality are far beyond ordinary. He can be the best goalkeeper wherever he plays. I don't think there's anything to dispute about that. As for comparing the Italian goalkeeping school with his own characteristics, that's another matter. As long as the ball doesn't fully cross the goal line, no matter who you're standing in goal for, that's enough."

When he was at Napoli, he also came close to winning titles. What does he think of the team's two recent Serie A championships? "It makes me very happy; I'm genuinely happy for them. I left many friends in Napoli, including people within the club, and I know how much they wanted to win the Serie A title. We also came close to the Europa League final that year, reaching the semifinals. Winning is never easy, and winning twice in three years, they've done something very special. Seeing Napoli celebrate is truly wonderful."

Do you approve of Allegri's choices? "He is a very good coach. Although the style of play and ideas will change considerably compared to his predecessor, he has always done well and always manages to get the team in order with his own characteristics. I think this is a very courageous choice, and it's always right to have such an experienced and, especially, charismatic coach."

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