Is Diego Maradona Hating On Leo Messi? Argentine Coach Says Soccer Star Lacks Leadership Skills

Diego Maradona was an open book at a recent soccer event that took place in Paris called "The Friendship Game." The event, which featured some of the most iconic soccer stars, including Maradona and Brazil's Pelé, took place before the European Championships.

There, the Argentine coach and former athlete talked about Lionel Messi, considered one of, if not, the best soccer players of the time. "He is a great person, but he has no personality," Maradona allegedly stated, according to ESPN.

Although the Barcelona forward is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Maradona seems underwhelmed and even claimed that Messi lacks leadership skills. "He doesn't have the personality to be a leader," he said.

Unlike Maradona, who achieved the World Cup glory in 1986, Messi missed out on the World Cup final in 2014 with a loss to Germany.

Pelé also weighed in and agreed with the 55-year-old coach. "Ah, I get it, he's not like we were back in the days. In the '70s we [Brazil] had really good players like Rivellino, Gerson, Tostao," he stated, reports Fox Sports. "Not like Argentina now, which depends only on Messi. He [Maradona] is saying that Messi is a good player, there's no doubt about it, but he has no personality."

In fact, Maradona seems more impressed by Real Madrid's forward, Cristiano Ronaldo than his own compatriot.

"Cristiano without a doubt, is the star," he said. "He's one of those players who can single-handedly put his team in the final. He is football culture. Anyone who likes football, likes Cristiano."

Both Maradona and Pelé took the opportunity to put their past differences aside and made their peace at the event.

"No more fighting," Maradona said. "I want to thank Pele, we know who he is and who he will always be. We need icons like him."

Pelé responded: "The most important is the message of peace. Many thanks to my friend Maradona for this opportunity and a big round of applause to the players who have been here today. This is a moment of peace."