Best Friends: Diego Maradona and Pelé

Messieurs Pelé and Diego Maradona are seemingly at it again, or that’s how its looks anyway. The latest “spat” in their rivalry – as is often said in newspapers – comes after Pele’s heyday club Santos claimed the Copa Libertadores title last Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Uruguay’s Peñarol.

Alright, cool.

However, and unfortunately, the peace and tranquility lasted very briefly thanks to a reported interview by Diego “El Pibe de Oro” Maradona with Spanish television station TVE.

It is reported that Maradona, who now coaches UAE club Al Wasl and generally doesn’t give two flying monkeys what comes out of his mouth, told the Spanish television station that Neymar was “ill-mannered, just like Pelé”… straight to the point as usual.

Maradona reportedly followed that romantic line up with some kinder words for his own heir apparent, Lionel Messi, who he allegedly described as “an exceptional player” adding: “I doubt anyone can separate him (Messi) (from being the best).”

The station, however, went on to deny it had made any contact with Maradona, so the origin of the comments remains unclear. Maradona himself also strongly denied the legitimacy of the quotes saying: “Never in my life have I spoken about Neymar. I can’t talk about Neymar, because I don't know him. I swear on (my grandson) Benjamin’s life.”

But, never one to be outdone, Mr. Pelé inevitably weighed in anyway with his own viewpoint, like he always seems to do…  “Messi better than Pelé? To get there he needs to score more than 1 283 goals,” Pele declared without thinking twice. But he wasn’t done, after a brief pause for air Pelé, of Viagra advert fame, continued: “Neymar has great talent. I hope Neymar doesn’t end up like Messi, who plays so well for his club but does nothing for his country...”

Ouch.

All this is pretty funny especially taking into considering the Copa América starts on Friday, a tournament where the final is most likely to be contested by hosts Argentina and holders Brazil and will most likely be a contest between Messi and Neymar.

That will be fun, but not as fun as the war of words between the two godfathers of football, Diego “El Diez” Maradona and Pelé Edison Arantes do Nascimento.

Source: Guardian