Ramos: In Argentina they know Maradona is lightyears behind the best-ever Argentine, Messi FIFA World Cup 2018 - Iran 0-1 Spain Maradona had been critical of Spanish defender

Lionel Messi is hardly the most popular figure within the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, however Sergio Ramos has sensationally hit back at Diego Maradona by suggesting people in Argentina know Lionel Messi is the best player in the nation's history.

Messi stuttered in the Albiceleste's 1-1 draw with Iceland in their opening World Cup match and he missed a penalty, leading to criticism back in Argentina.

"In Argentina they know that Maradona is light years away from the best Argentine player in history, which for me is Lionel Messi," he explained in the mixed zone in Kazan on Wednesday.

This response came in the wake of the former Napoli playmaker suggesting that the Real Madrid defender isn't a true leader, at least not in the way Diego Godin is.

Spain's victory over Iran on Wednesday put La Roja in the top spot in Group B, a result which has left the captain comfortable.

"We're happy, we've taken another step forward," he confirmed.

"Now we must try to top the group. That's our goal, I think we can improve in all aspects."

Carlos Queiroz's side were well disciplined and defended resolutely until they were undone by Diego Costa's rather fortunate goal.

Iran thought they had levelled the match through Saeid Ezatolahi, however the linesman's flag was raised to rule it out for offside.

VAR was used to determine whether the correct call had been made, which it had, although the system is something which the Real Madrid defender is still adjusting to.

"Practically everything was given," he intimated.

"You have to try and keep a cool head because VAR is in use here. It will determine many moves and actions."