Diego Simeone has indirectly claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not “even close” to Lionel Messi when it comes to debating the world’s best player.
The Atletico Madrid Coach was quizzed on comparisons between the Barcelona foward and Diego Maradona, the man generally regarded as the No 10’s spiritual predecessor, but felt no-one in the history of football could be spoken in the same breath as the duo.
“Messi is the number one [player in the world]. No other player today is even close [to him],” he told TyC Sports.
“[Messi and Maradona] played in different eras and different positions. Messi is much more of a striker, while Diego played all over the pitch.
“It’s not fair [to compare them] as it just creates controversy, but within the debate are two extraordinary players.
“Messi has played in four Champions League finals and won them all. If I’m not mistaken, I don’t think anyone else has.
“You can’t compare these great players. Hopefully Lionel can lead Argentina to Copa America and then the World Cup.
“A player like Lionel will adapt to any situation to win because he wants to win.”
