Diego Maradona -I wish Ronaldo was Argentine, but still prefer Lionel Messi


 Diego Maradona says he wishes Cristiano Ronaldo was Argentine, but still prefers Lionel Messi to lead the Albiceleste.

Maradona famously led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title with decisive performances in the knockout stages of the competition.

Ronaldo, who was recently awarded his fourth Ballon d'Or, has won four Champions League titles -- equalling Messi's haul -- and led Portugal to their first major tournament crown in last summer's European Championship.

And while Maradona has praised the Real Madrid superstar, he would still choose Messi, who, though he has yet to win a title with Argentina, has led his country to three consecutive finals over the past three summers.
"Cristiano is an animal," Maradona told TyC Sports. "I wish he was Argentine.


"But I still prefer Messi. He is enjoying playing football and goes by opponents with ease.

"I don't remember seeing Messi play badly. Even if Messi does not win a World Cup, he will be remembered in football history.

"Leo cannot deliver the World Cup on his own. Even if he does not win a World Cup, we will still remember him."

Maradona, meanwhile, has taken a swipe at Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli for leaving out Sergio Aguero from the latest squad and including Mauro Icardi instead.

Sampaoli signed a five-year contract earlier this month to guide the national team after leaving Sevilla and the decision by the Argentine Football Association to appoint him was not well received by some former Argentina coaches, including Maradona.

 

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