Former Sporting CP coach Jorge Jesus once named Diego Maradona ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate. The 1986 World Cup winner was indeed in a league of his own and inspired millions to fall in love with the beautiful game.

Ronaldo and Messi, meanwhile, are also among the greatest players to set foot on earth. However, Jesus had insisted that Maradona’s passion put him ahead of the duo.

Speaking in December 2020, the Portuguese manager said while Cristiano Ronaldo had a little bit of Diego Maradona’s passion, Lionel Messi had none of it.

“Today, among the best two in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo has a little of that (what Maradona had). Messi has nothing. He doesn’t have any passion. Messi is a great player. But we’re talking about life and feelings, having passion for the game and for football. I think Maradona was above anyone in that regard,” Jesus said (via GOAL).

Jesus also insisted that Maradona – who died on November 25, 2020 – was the best player ever along with Pele.

“Maradona was the best player ever, along with Pele. Pele’s still here, he’s alive. Maradona was greater, not just because he was a genius, but because of how he showed it. That makes the difference for me,” Jesus added.

He continued:

“He was absolutely world-class, but he had a passion for the game, he was born to be a footballer, he was born with everything. It was not a product of work, he was born like that. But he still loved having the ball.”

Unfortunately, Diego Maradona wasn’t alive when Lionel Messi made history by helping Argentina win the FIFA World Cup in 2022. In doing so, La Pulga also justified the comparisons to the Argentine icon throughout his career.

How many international trophies have Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi won in their careers?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both found success with their respective national teams. The Portuguese legend has scored 135 goals and set up 45 more from 215 games across competitions for his country. The 39-year-old, who currently plies his trade with Al-Nassr, won Euro 2016 and the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

La Pulga, meanwhile, has 112 goals and 61 assists from 191 games for Argentina. The Inter Miami icon has won two Copa America titles, one Finalissima, and the coveted FIFA World Cup with La Albiceleste.