Cristiano Ronaldo has a bit of Maradona’s passion but Messi has NONE, claims Benfica boss as he wades into GOAT debate

BENFICA manager Jorge Jesus reckons Cristiano Ronaldo is more like Diego Maradona because Lionel Messi has no passion.

The Portuguese manager waded into the modern-day GOAT debate by saying Ronaldo played more like the late great Maradona.

EPA

Cristiano Ronaldo was compared to Diego Maradona by Jorge Jesus[/caption]

AFP

Lionel Messi revealed a Diego Maradona Newell’s Old Boys shirt on Sunday[/caption]

Argentine icon Maradona passed away aged 60 last week and tributes poured in from around the world.

Jesus said: “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.

“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.”

Jesus added: “Today, among the best two in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo has a little of that. 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.

EPA

Jorge Jesus said Lionel Messi does not play with passion like Diego Maradona did[/caption]

“I think Maradona was above anyone in that regard.”

Messi paid tribute to Maradona by taking off his Barcelona shirt to reveal a Newell’s Old Boys jersey on Sunday.

The Catalan giants’ skipper bagged a stunning goal in a 4-0 win over Osasuna before unveiling Maradona’s old No 10 strip from years gone by.

Reuters

Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi together during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa[/caption]