Messi 'will never be better than Maradona'

Ex-Argentina international Hector Enrique has claimed that Lionel Messi will never surpass Diego Maradona as the best ever.

Having won an unprecedented four Ballon d’Or awards, the Barcelona forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

However, the 58-year-old, who played 11 times for the South American nation between 1986 and 1989 insists that Leo will never be as good as Diego.

“Messi does not have anything on Maradona. I love Messi and I would be happy if my son would play at one per cent of his abilities, but Maradona was unique,” he told Continental. “There will never be anyone like Maradona again, not even if Messi wins three World Cups in succession or scores a bicycle kick from midfield. “Maradona and Messi have different characters on the pitch. Diego radiated confidence and made all of us play better. Messi has personality as well, but not like Maradona.”