Maradona: "Cristiano Ronaldo will never be of Messi's level"

Diego Maradona has voiced his opinion that Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo will never reach the same level as Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

One of the all-time greats, Maradona began his career in 1976. His boots hung up over two decades later after spells with Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla in Europe. He also led his country to World Cup glory in 1986.

"Cristiano will never be as good as Messi," Maradona told Argentine TV programme TVR.

Both forwards are the clear favorites to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or. They both are an impressive season at club level that Maradona feels the Portuguese is nowhere near his Argentine rival.

"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," Maradona stated to TVR.

"When Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or he told Messi 'No more second places'. Now silver is the best he can achieve."

However, the legendary No.10 had a different opinion during the European Championship, writing of Ronaldo: "The world's best player, along with Lionel Messi, seemed frustrated and petulant when playing for Portugal."

"I don't really like comparisons. Nevertheless, the comparison with Messi is a beautiful thing. We are both left-footed, Argentine, and brilliant."

Messi netted an impressive 73 goals in all competitions for Barcelona in 2011-12.