BUENOS AIRES: Argentina coach Diego Maradona on Wednesday put Brazilian legend Pele in his place, insisting the latter was the second best player ever after himself.

A FIFA internet poll in 2000 saw Maradona, who will lead the 'albiceleste' against the five-time world champions Brazilians in a Sep 5 World Cup qualifier, come out on top and he said on Wednesday that ought to settle the issue.

"What matters is that when the people voted, he came second behind me. Nobody can take that away from me," insisted Maradona, who said the fact he had played with success in European club football, unlike Pele, ought to be the clincher - even if Pele won three World Cup titles to his one.