Maradona on Messi comparisons: 'What is there to compare?'

Maradona featured for both Barcelona and Napoli in his illustrious career, but he's made it clear that he's backing the Italians.The Argentinian icon has cult-hero status in Naples, where he is viewed as a footballing god.Maradona feels empathy for his compatriot Messi, whohe feels suffers from an immense amount of pressure."Leo is a great talent, a very good boy, but they want him to carry unfair amounts of pressure,"Maradonaexplained in an interview with Il Mattino (via Marca)."He has to live his life and career knowing he is the best footballer, yet there have been comparisons for almost 20 years, what is there to compare?"Maradona claims that he shares a good relationship with Messi, but he hopes he fails against Napoli in the Champions League."I have a beautiful memory of working with him with the national team, but I just hope he doesn't play well againstNapoli," he said."I gave everything toNapoli,andNapoligave me everything."The match againstBarcelonawill be very difficult, but I have hopes that they will surprise me and give the fans a huge feeling of joy."I have a great love forNapoli, I had magnificent years with them, we won the title and the UEFA Cup, whilst I also won the World Cup."When Maradona was pressed on his allegiances, he made it very clear who he stood behind ahead of the first-leg."Barcelonaopened the doors of Europe to me, but I wrote my story in blue, my heart is withNapoli,"Maradona affirmed."I was withBoca, a great club, and came to Europe withBarcelona."It was a dream for all Argentine footballers, but there I had to face many problems."READ MORE...10 of Diego Maradona’s best moments: the greatest player of all time?Who will win the 2019/20 Champions League? FourFourTwo writers make their predictions