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Messi Is Better Than Maradona, But Maybe Not Pele

Last week I wrote “Lionel Messi Is Impossible,” an article that explored how play-by-play data sheds light on the Argentina forward’s skills, style and value (spoiler: he’s good). Many readers asked if I could do a similar analysis comparing Messi with all-time greats, particularly Argentine legend Diego Maradona (who played on the winning 1986 World Cup side) and […]

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Messi Is Better Than Maradona, But Maybe Not Pele

Last week I wrote “Lionel Messi Is Impossible,” an article that explored how play-by-play data sheds light on the Argentina forward’s skills, style and value (spoiler: he’s good). Many readers asked if I could do a similar analysis comparing Messi with all-time greats, particularly Argentine legend Diego Maradona (who played on the winning 1986 World Cup side) and […]

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World Cup Semifinal Crib Notes: Netherlands vs. Argentina

The remaining World Cup semifinalists — Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands — all are titans of men’s soccer. Each ranks among the top seven sides in World Cup match wins, and in the top five in winning percentage among sides with at least four wins. Germany and Argentina each have won at least two Cups. And […]

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World Cup Semifinal Crib Notes: Netherlands vs. Argentina

The remaining World Cup semifinalists — Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands — all are titans of men’s soccer. Each ranks among the top seven sides in World Cup match wins, and in the top five in winning percentage among sides with at least four wins. Germany and Argentina each have won at least two Cups. And […]

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Di Maria’s Injury Makes Argentina-Netherlands Almost Even

The injury to Brazil’s Neymar might have made more headlines, but Argentina will also be shorthanded in its World Cup semifinal. Attacking midfielder Angel di Maria, who was hurt in the first half of Argentina’s win against Belgium, will miss the team’s match against the Netherlands on Wednesday. Di Maria is a big deal. He […]

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