Diego Maradona says it 'hurt my soul' to present FIFA's The Best award to Cristiano Ronaldo rather than Lionel Messi.

Diego Maradona says it 'hurt my soul' to present FIFA's The Best award to Cristiano Ronaldo rather than Lionel Messi.

The Argentina legend was in attendance at the London Palladium on Monday night to help dish out the gong alongside former Brazil striker Ronaldo.

And Maradona, who was pictured smiling and talking with Real Madrid star Ronaldo after handing over the trophy, later admitted that he'd hoped to greet his compatriot Messi on stage.

'To award The Best to [Cristiano] Ronaldo and for [Lionel] Messi not be able to receive it hurt my soul,' Maradona told TyC Sports.

Despite being unable to present the evening's most prestigious award to Messi, Maradona still managed to catch up with the Barcelona ace.

The pair were pictured embracing each other on the red carpet shortly before the ceremony, with Maradona later revealing details of their chat.

'My meeting with Messi was great, we spoke together and the same levels of love and affection were there as they always are,' Maradona added.

'It is my belief he can continue for many more years.'