Maradona: Messi comparison beautiful

Diego Maradona claims it is a "beautiful thing" to see fellow Argentinean Lionel Messi compared to him.

Maradona, who is regarded by many as the best footballer of all-time, has frequently seen his lofty status within the game be challenged by the Barcelona ace Messi in recent years.

However, Maradona welcomes the comparisons and added further backing to Messi by supporting his countryman to win this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or gong. Messi will be looking to add to his hat-trick of wins in this prestigious award but faces stiff competition from Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo who is coming off a stellar season in Spain where he ended Barca's recent dominance of La Liga.

"Cristiano Ronaldo will never be of Messi's level. Lionel doesn't need Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful shot. Messi just dribbles towards the goal with the ball at his feet," Maradona told TVR.

"When Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or he told Messi 'No more second places'. Now silver is the best he can achieve."

Maradona has first hand knowledge of Messi's abilities having coached the player during his spell in charge of the Argentina national team.

He added: "I don't really like comparisons. Nevertheless, the comparison with Messi is a beautiful thing. We are both left-footed, Argentine, and brilliant."

Messi netted an amazing 73 goals this season as Barca won the Copa del Rey, FIFA World Club Cup and both European and Spanish Super Cups.