Cristiano Ronaldo will never reach Messi`s level: Maradona

London: Diego Maradona has voiced his opinion that Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo will never reach the same level as Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Both forwards are the clear favourites to win the Fifa Ballon d`Or after an impressive season at club level, yet Maradona feels the Portuguese is nowhere near his Argentine rival. "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 stated to TVR. "When Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d`Or he told Messi `No more second places`. Now silver is the best he can achieve." However, the legendary No.10 had a different opinion during the European Championship, writing of Ronaldo: "The world`s best player, along with Lionel Messi, seemed frustrated and petulant when playing for Portugal." Meanwhile, the 1986 World Cup winner went on to say that he is flattered to see people comparing him with Messi. "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 impressive 73 goals in all competitions for Barcelona in 2011-12. Goal.com