Diego Maradona has explained his feelings about Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo beating FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi to the FIFA Best Men's prize on Monday night.
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The Portuguese drew level with the Messi on five World Player of the Year accolades at the FIFA awards gala on Monday, and Maradona has admitted it hurt to see his countryman lose out to the Los Blancos talisman.
"To award The Best to Ronaldo and for Messi not be able to receive it hurt my soul," he told TyC Sports.
"My meeting with Messi was great, we spoke together and the same levels of love and affection were there as they always are.
"It is my belief he can continue for many more years."
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Ronaldo's triumph comes after a brilliant 2016/17 campaign with Real, in which he won both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy, among others.
Do you think Ronaldo and Messi will be challenging for the award yet again next time out? Let us know in the comments section below.
