'Messi better than Maradona,' Francescoli

After Argentina's stunning 3-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Uruguay, football “maestro” Enzo Francescoli has hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player ever, surpassing Diego Maradona.

The 50-year-old Uruguayan great referred to Barcelona’s star, who scored twice against his beloved "Celeste" as the greatest player to have ever stepped a football field, during a TV interview.

“Messi is unique, and personally I believe him to be better than Maradona.”

The former River Plate star also had kind words for Zinedine Zidane, who grew up enchanted by Francescoli’s delightful game during his spell in France playing for Racing Club Paris and Olympique Marseille, and named his son after the Uruguyan, something that Francescoli was thrilled about.

“Zidane is a great guy and it is a great gesture that he has put my name to his son.”