With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching quickly, the ramp-up to the tournament is in full swing. Given that Argentina are the reigning champions, players from the national team’s past are making the rounds in the media space.

Up this week on Rio Ferdinand‘s podcast was Gabriel Batistuta, the legendary Argentinian striker who took part in three separate World Cup tournaments. “Batigol” was a prolific goalscorer, and is still the second-highest scorer all-time in Argentina’s national team history – surpassed only by the incomparable Lionel Messi.

Gabriel Batistuta laments not helping Diego Maradona as he neared his death

Since Batistuta shared the pitch with the larger-than-life Diego Maradona, Ferdinand had to discuss the iconic player and personality with him. While doing so, Batistuta revealed a “big mistake” that those around Maradona made with the polarizing personality.

“Nobody said ‘no’ to him when he was young. Everything was okay. That was a big mistake. It’s a shame because he was a great person. And he died alone. Nobody was with him. He died like a dog. I blame myself, too.“

Maradona was an extremely divisive figure on and off the pitch. He struggled with a cocaine addiction that severely affected his footballing career and his overall health. Despite that, Argentinians still revered him for his footballing contributions and his carefree attitude.