Messi: Compare me to Maradona when I've won the World Cup

Lionel Messi says he cannot be considered as the greatest player of all time until he has won a World Cup - but hopes to change that by claiming victory in Brazil this summer.

Messi is constantly compared to fellow Argentine Diego Maradona and has arguably surpassed his compatriot in terms of achievements at club level, but many point to the World Cup when judging the Barcelona forward alongside the former Napoli great - his coach at South Africa 2010.

"The comparison with Maradona is a very nice compliment, but not one that I can accept yet," Messi said.

"He did so much for the national team - and I don't think any player can be considered a true great until they have won the World Cup.

"I hope that I can do that and I hope I can do that this summer - but until then I don't talk about me as the best."


/Goal.Com/