The lead-up to the crucial World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil has been intense, and both sets of teams have exchanged opinions over the past few weeks.

After recent declarations made by Maradona, which included saying things like “I was a better player than Pele was” and “Argentina have better players than Brazil”, Pele has finally attempted to put the 1986 World Cup winner in his place, right before the big match.

“I’m confident in Brazil, most of all against teams who we have always been superior to, like Argentina,” said Pele.

“Beating great rivals like Argentina gives you a different feeling,” he admitted.

Pele continued: “But we already know who Maradona is…what he says isn’t worth taking into consideration.”

Then he contradicted himself by stating that Maradona has the potential to be a good coach in the future: “He has everything to become a great coach, but hopefully it doesn’t start against Brazil.”

As is in his nature, Maradona will surely respond to Pele’s declarations with harsh words of his own within the next few days.