IMAGE: Argentina's head coach Diego Maradona watches on as Lionel Messi goes through the grind at a team training session in Pretoria on June 6, 2010. Photograph: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has cited Argentina legend Diego Maradona as his biggest inspiration behind starting a career in football.
The duo has constantly been compared in terms of their playing style, in addition to having represented Spanish giant club Barcelona and captained Argentina.
The 28-year-old said that it was Maradona who inspired him to play football, insisting that he always strives for a balanced life away from the pitch despite his on-field success, goal.com reported.
Messi garnered widespread fame and won the prestigious Ballon d'Or award four times since moving to Barcelona's senior team in 2004.
