Diego Maradona says that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi would not be able to have the same impact as he did at Napoli.

Diego Maradona has claimed that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi would not be able to match his achievements at Napoli.

Maradona enjoyed a legendary stint at the Italian side, netting 81 goals from 188 league appearances and helping the club to two Serie A crowns and the UEFA Cup.

While Messi is unlikely to ever make the switch to Naples, his compatriot has suggested that he would not have the same impact as he did between 1984 and 1991.

Maradona is quoted by AS as saying: "Messi arrived at San Paolo in decline; Messi has not lived the life I have. Leo could play extraordinarily in Naples, but he would not be able to do what I did. Let's be clear about that."

Messi was part of the Barcelona side which squared off against Napoli in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday night.

Having fallen behind to a Dries Mertens goal, Antoine Griezmann netted an equaliser to earn the Catalan giants a 1-1 draw ahead of the second leg.