Overview
- Gabriel Batistuta, in a new interview on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube show, said Diego Maradona “died alone” and used the phrase “like a dog,” adding that he feels personally guilty for not protecting him.
- He described Maradona as a good man made vulnerable by fame from childhood, saying people used him from about age six and that no one set limits when he was young.
- Batistuta contrasted Lionel Messi and Maradona, praising Messi’s quiet nature and goals while saying Maradona had a charisma that could sway referees and rivals.
- He urged loved ones to step in when stars struggle and said he hopes Messi never faces a similar end.
- Looking ahead to 2026, he expressed confidence that Argentina can reach the World Cup final again, as Argentine outlets highlighted his raw regret and the reflective nature of his remarks rather than new facts about Maradona’s 2020 death.