Maradona: 'Hurt my soul' to give award to Ronaldo instead of Messi

Behind the smile and the friendly embrace as Cristiano Ronaldo accepted the the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award, Diego Maradona was admittedly disappointed he didn’t have the honour of delivering the trophy to his compatriot, Lionel Messi.

The Argentine legend was greeted by Ronaldo, with whom he was as cordial as ever when he handed over the award despite confessing it would’ve brought him more joy to hand the coveted trophy to the Barcelona star instead.

“To give the Best (award) to Ronaldo and not be able to give it to Messi hurt my soul,” Maradona said to TyC Sports, as translated by Adriana Garcia of ESPN FC.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

The Real Madrid star edged out Messi and Neymar to become the inaugural recipient of the award during Monday’s star-studded ceremony in London.

Before the show kicked off, Maradona was seen sharing a heartfelt moment with Messi.

He was later forced to respond to reports of their alleged deteriorating relationship, which were fueled by Maradona’s remarks over his disappointment when he wasn’t invited to Messi’s wedding last summer.

Maradona, however, insisted he continues to share a positive relationship with the 30-year-old.

“The meeting with Messi was fantastic,” he said. “I spoke to him, and the same love and affection was there as always.”