Costacurta: I played against Messi and Maradona, and Messi is the more exciting player

Alessandro Costacurta, a legendary defender for Italy and AC Milan, has spoken about being one of the few players to face both Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

“I have been lucky to play against both Messi and Diego,” Costacurta was quoted as saying.

The defender won the UEFA Champions League / European Cup five times, and was a FIFA World Cup runner up once.

He admitted that Maradona played at a time when defenders could get away with more.

“Maradona could be fouled 66 times before [the opposition player would be] warned,” he said.

“With Leo it is different, it is something else now.”

However, Costacurta said that it was Messi who was the more exciting player.

“They are similar in genius terms and in the way they express themselves on the pitch, but Messi is cooler than Maradona.” he said.