Maradona Names Messi ‘The Best Player Today’

Footballing legend, Diego Maradona had declared Lionel Messi the best player today but insists he would love to see Napoli dump the Catalan giants out of the Champions League.

The Argentine legend recognizes his compatriot as a fine player with enormous talent but would pick his former side, Napoli over Messi’s Barcelona in their round-of-16 tie.

The first leg of that highly anticipated tie is scheduled for the 25th of february.

That contest would see Messi step his feet on a turf an Argentine legend in Maradona once called home.

There is so much talk of the Barcelona talisman following in the illustrious steps of his fellow compatriot as Barcelona pay a visit to the Stadio San Paolo.

The pair have continuously been compared with only very little to separate the two all-time greats.

Both Messi and the world cup winner have steered  clear of debates attempting to pick who the best is. The duo have the utmost respect of each other with Maradona seeing Messi as a “very good boy”.

He once in an interview with II Mattino talked about the six-time Ballon D’Or winner who he once managed in the Argentina national side.

“He must continue his career and his life knowing that he is the best football player today.
“I enjoyed watching Leo with Argentina in every game.”

Diego Maradona is currently at Gimnasia de la Plata, but would be highly interested in the tie between his former side, Napoli and Messi’s Barcelona.

“I have given everything to Napoli and Napoli has given everything to me showing its affection,” the honorary citizen of Naples said.

“They [the 1980s] were great years for the team and for Argentina. We managed to win the [Serie A] championship, the UEFA Cup and the World Cup.”