Football legend Diego Maradona has indicated that it is too difficult a task separating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The Argentine hero was asked to name who he feels is the best player in the world in an interview with Sky Sports but admitted it was a tough choice selecting the Real Madrid marvel over the Barcelona dazzler.

"Cristiano is a predator in front of goal. You can't let Cristiano shoot from anywhere in the opposition half," Maradona said.

"Goalkeepers are scared of him. You have to be honest, goalkeepers are scared of Cristiano. They are not so scared of Messi in those areas because he doesn't have the same power as Cristiano.

"Cristiano is an incredible professional. I think at this present time he is right up there at Messi's level.

"It's not the case that Messi is better than Ronaldo or Ronaldo is better than Messi. I think they are at the same level."