Argentina captain Lionel Messi has said that even though he hasn't actually spoken with fellow Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona in years, the two have a "great relationship."

Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has frequently been compared with Maradona throughout his career and often criticised because the Albiceleste have not won any major titles with the Barcelona star leading their attack.

Maradona coached the national at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Germany.

"We haven't spoken in a long time, since the World Cup [2010] we may have crossed paths once or twice," Messi said in Spanish on Egyptian TV. "He has his life, his things and I have mine. We haven't spoken at all. Considering that we don't speak to each other, I have a great relationship with him."

Maradona led the Argentines to World Cup glory in 1986. Messi, meanwhile, missed out on the World Cup in 2014 with a disappointing loss to Germany in the final.

Over a 21-year club career, Maradona won league titles with Boca Juniors in Argentina and Serie A giants Napoli. Messi has won seven La Liga crowns, four Champions League titles and three Copa del Rey titles.

Gerardo Martino's side secured a 2-1 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.