Diego Maradona has blasted Pele for not talking up the ability of Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Pele has declared Messi will never match his own ability.

"This is maybe due to old age affecting his thought processes," replied Maradona.

"You can't blame the guy, he hasn't been doing anything for the past 20 years. I haven't even seen him in a supermarket. I don't know what he does.

"Usually, when you see him these days, it's only at award ceremonies next to the president of Fifa and looking like a doll that's being moved by remote control," he continued. "His comments come as no surprise."