Sir Alex Ferguson Once Gave His Opinion On Diego Maradona Vs Lionel Messi Debate In Fascinating Talk

Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion on the Diego Maradona vs Lionel Messi debate has re-emerged following Maradona's tragic death.

The World Cup winner died on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest and it's rocked the footballing world.

Many fans idolise Maradona as the greatest footballer of all time and didn't think there'd be another Argentinian like him - until Messi arrived on the scene.

Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Aex sat down with Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft last year to discuss close friend Hugh McIlvanney.

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"With rising intensity Hugh and Graeme Souness debated whether Lionel Messi (Souness's call) is greater than Diego Maradona (Hugh's)," Northcroft wrote.

"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.

"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.

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"But I can imagine Hugh's response. 'You don't f***ing 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."

Maradona managed Messi for two years between 2008 and 2010 when Argentina manager and helped him improve his free-kick technique.

Both have turned out for Barcelona and shared similar qualities when out on the pitch.

They even managed to line-up in the same team once, but not at Barcelona. Back in 2005, the pair started for Argentina All Stars in a charity game and absolutely ran the show.

Not everything is perfect but with a bit more time together it's easy to see how incredible the two playing together would have been.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi paid tribute to Maradona on Wednesday and said it was "a very sad day for all Argentines and for football."

Accompanied by pictures of the pair, Messi wrote: "A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.

"I keep all the beautiful moments I lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."

Topics: Football News, Football, Sir Alex Ferguson, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Argentina

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a freelance journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_