«Messi or Mbappé? Impossible to choose, they are two extraterrestrials. But Maradona remains unique»- Corriere.it

Sadness, melancholy, pale faces and blank stares. The news of Sinisa Mihajlovic’s death comes seconds after Francesco Totti finished speaking at the legends soccer tournament. And immediately one pops up improvised white T-shirt with the number 11 and the writing SinisaInfantino shows it, the president of Fifa and the players wear it.

Many old glories, from Kakà to Roberto Carlos, from Higuita to Zamorano, from Vieri to Materazzi. Tottiworld champion in 2006, with the number 10 shirt, speaks of the two ten which will embellish the final. And she does it without holding back: «Between Messi and Mbappé I can’t choose, if it were possible I would take them both. Then I would play with two less…», says the former Roma captain. Even with Totti? «No, we would be too offensive with me…». Then he becomes serious again: «These are two extraterrestrials, but to win the World Cup they will need the team». Be careful with the comparisons, though. According to Francesco, the one between Messi and Maradona does not stand: «Leo is very great, min Diego it’s unique: for me it’s football».

For those who will support Totti on Sunday at Lusail? “I have no preferences, I just hope it’s a good game and, if possible, that we get to penalties. So the fun lasts longer. But which final will be Argentina-France? «The fairest and most beautiful one because they are the strongest teams at the moment. The whole world wanted it that way. The teams that have shown the most desire, character and determination compete. Griezmann? He has shown that even great players can change roles ».

Questions about Rome cannot be missing: «The championship is long, we hope in the Champions League, but it won’t be easy». The criticisms a Zaniolo? “I said that to become great you have to grow on and off the pitch.” And there is room for a joke about the Azzurri: «The World Cup without Italy is like Rome without the Colosseum». A joke, the last, the most beautiful.