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Sir Alex Ferguson Explains Why Lionel Messi Is Better Than Diego Maradona

Sir Alex Ferguson Explains Why Lionel Messi Is Better Than Diego Maradona

He's agreed with Graeme Souness.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Sir Alex Ferguson reckons Lionel Messi is better than Diego Maradona.

Last week, Hugh McIlvanney sadly passed away, aged 84, and in an interview with The Times, Sir Alex revealed his heated debate with him over Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

Who's considered the greatest between the two Argentinean icons?

Well, Sir Alex argues Messi while Hugh McIlvanney sides with Maradona.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"Something similar happened at a Sunday Times lunch, when with rising intensity Hugh and Graeme Souness debated whether Lionel Messi (Souness's call) is greater than Diego Maradona (Hugh's)," Jonathan Northcroft writes.

"An exasperated Souness had to finally beseech: 'Look, I played against Maradona five times and I'm telling you - Messi.' Hugh growled back: 'I don't care who you played against. It's Diego.'"

Image: PA
Image: PA

Sir Alex weighed in by agreeing with ex-Liverpool hero Graeme Souness.

"Told of this, 'I would side with Souness on that one,' says Ferguson. 'Maradona's career at the very top was only a few years.'

"But I can imagine Hugh's response. 'You don't ******* know what you're talking about!' While blowing a big puff of smoke in your face, lighting another stogie and speaking with that wonderful, rasping voice."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Messi's on the verge of returning to the national side after a hiatus from the international scene.

The 31-year-old took a break from Argentina duty following a disappointing World Cup campaign, last summer.

But he's set to feature for 'La Albiceleste' in a friendly match against Venezuela on March 22nd.

The international fixture will take place at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano, meaning Messi won't have far to travel for his 129th Argentina cap.

Here's hoping Messi pulls on the famous blue and white shirt again.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona