Argentine legend Diego Maradona, who regarded as one of the best footballers in the world, has said that he feels Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is a much better player than Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both the players have been going to extreme lengths in search of the glory with the respective club teams. Messi has managed to consistently outshined Cristiano Ronaldo in the last few seasons, which has also seen him lift the much coveted FIFA Ballon d'Or award three times in succession. Even though the Portuguese has won the title once, it has been quite a while since he has achieved this personal accolade.

Diego Maradona has increased the competition between the two players by saying that he feels that his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi is a much better player than the Portuguese. Messi scored 73 goals in all competitions for Barcelona last season, but Cristiano Ronaldo has said that his 50 goals for Real Madrid are much more important because it has helped them lift the league title. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, was not only unable to lift the la Liga title, but also help Barcelona defended the Champions League title as well. Yet, many expect the 25-year-old to reach his peak this season.

"Cristiano Ronaldo will never be of Messi's level. Lionel doesn't need Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful shot. Messi just dribbles towards the goal with the ball at his feet. When Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or he told Messi 'No more second places'. Now silver is the best he can achieve. The world's best player, along with Lionel Messi, seemed frustrated and petulant when playing for Portugal," said Diego Maradona in a recent interview. The Argentine legend was recently sacked by the Middle East club Al-Wasl, due to persistent poor form, after just 14 months in charge.