Zico says Barcelona star Leo Messi isn't at the level of Diego Maradona.

Zico, currently the sporting director of Kashima Antlers, has had his say on the matter, with the former Brazil star leaning towards the older of the two.

"I believe Maradona played in a more competitive time. He always played with someone man-marking him.

"Maradona gave a lot to his teams, like Messi does, but Maradona gave a lot for Argentina: he was both a world champion and a runner-up," he explained.