Giving award to Ronaldo and not Messi hurt my soul: Maradona

Legendary Argentine Diego Maradona admits that handing over the Best FIFA Men's Player award to Cristiano Ronaldo instead of compatriot Lionel Messi hurt his soul.

Ronaldo won the award for FIFA's best male player ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and PSG’s Neymar.

Maradona and legendary  former Brazilian forward Ronaldo handed over the award to the Portuguese star at a ceremony in London.

Maradona however suggested that the idea of giving the award to Ronaldo did not go down well with him.

"To give the Best [award] to Ronaldo and not be able to give it to Messi hurt my soul,” Maradona told TyC Sports.

It has often been reported that Maradona has a bad relationship with Messi and the former even criticized the latter’s personality and his inability to be the leader for Argentina.

Maradona was also reported to have been somewhat disappointed not to have received an invitation to Lionel Messi’s wedding.

“My invitation to the wedding was lost somewhere, but my attitude towards Messi will not change because of this. He is a good athlete and an excellent guy,” Maradona had said back then.

At the FIFA Best event however, the duo had an affectionate meeting and Maradona said that it was fantastic to meet Messi.

"The meeting with Messi was fantastic. I spoke to him, and the same love and affection was there as always."