Diego Maradona reveals his preference for Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi
Argentinian football god launches shock scathing attack on Barcelona icon... but lavishes praise on Portuguese arch-rival
FOOTBALL great Diego Maradona has had his say on the Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi rivalry - and his preference might surprise you.
The former Argentina captain, who produced one of the great World Cup performances in 1986 and won four league titles in three countries, surprisingly criticised Messi, before lavishing praise on the Portuguese.
Maradona, also famous for his 'Hand of God' against England, had his say on the great rivals, is considered one of the best players of all-time.
However, rather than favour his fellow countryman Messi, Maradona, who was speaking at a legends tournament in Paris ahead of Euro 2016, was critical.
He told Spanish newspaper that Messi was not a good leader.
Maradona said: "Yes, I know him. He’s a good person, but he doesn’t have personality.
"He doesn’t have the personality of a leader."
Messi missed Argentina's opening game of the Copa America - a 2-1 win against Chile - but is expected to return against Panama.
When asked about who he is looking forward to seeing at Euro 2016, Maradona said Ronaldo will be the "star" of the tournament and even added he thought England could do well.
He added: “There are several players I want to see in the tournament.
"[Eden] Hazard, [Kevin] De Bruyne, [Wayne] Rooney, [Andres] Iniesta… they’re the ones who make you want to sit in front of the TV to watch the games.
“Favourites? In football there are no small opponents. Anyone can surprise you in a game. I see a lot of teams that can do well, but the ball will decide.
"For example, England have improved somewhat."
Maradona then moved on to Ronaldo: "Cristiano will be the star, no doubt. He’s one of those players who practically on his own can put a team in the final.
"He’s the heritage of football. Anyone who likes football, likes Cristiano."
Maradona was then asked whether the pressure was on Ronaldo to perform.
He added: "Pressure? I don’t think a player of his experience is under pressure in a tournament.
"The ones who should feel pressure are the defences that have to mark him in the game."
Maradona also seemed to end his rivalry with fellow legend Pele.
The pair had been rivals following a poll to decide the greatest player of all-time in 2000 - Maradona had initially won the crown before FIFA decided the pair should split the award.
Maradona had walked out during a presentation to the Brazilian, claiming he had only won by "forfeit".
The pair embraced at the legends tournament in Paris, with Maradona hoisting his arm in the air.
Rio Ferdinand, Fernando Hierro, Clarence Seedorf, Marco Materazzi, Hernan Crespo and Bebeto were among the players to appear.