Maradona famously led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title with decisive performances in the knockout stages of the competition.

Ronaldo, who was recently awarded his fourth Ballon d'Or, has won four Champions League titles -- equalling Messi's haul -- and led Portugal to their first major tournament crown in last summer's European Championships.

And while Maradona praised the Real Madrid superstar on Monday, he would still choose Messi, who, though he's yet to win a title with Argentina, has led his country to three consecutive finals over the past three summers.

"Cristiano is an animal," Maradona told TyC Sports. "I wish he was Argentine.

"But I still prefer Messi. He is enjoying playing football and goes by opponents with ease.

"Leo cannot deliver the World Cup on his own. Even if he does not win a World Cup, we will still remember him."