UEFA vice-president Zbigniew Boniek has picked the late Diego Maradona over Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi as the greatest player ever.
In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Boniek said both Argentines are exceptional, but labelled Maradona as unique.
He argued that Maradona competed when fouls were far more common, whereas Messi plays in an era with strict protection for players.
Boniek added that Maradona’s life was highly complicated, yet he would still always choose him.
"Both are extraordinary talents. Diego is unique, even though he had an extremely complicated life. If I am asked to choose, I always choose Maradona," Boniek said.
Both Maradona and Messi lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
Messi vs Maradona: 'He's unique' - UEFA vice-president Boniek chooses greatest footballer in history