Maradona and former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss Mourinho share similar character traits: the obvious one being they are both mavericks who enjoy stealing the limelight at every opportunity.

However, their coaching ideals are some way apart. The Argentinian allows his players to play with freedom and express themselves, Mourinho likes his teams to be organised and efficient rather than attractive.

But Maradona recognises Mourinho's achievements, having just won the Champions League for the second time with Inter Milan, and even suggested he may call him for advice as Argentina's World Cup campaign gathers momentum.

"I like Mourinho a lot [as a coach]," said Maradona.

"On top of that, the way he received me, we spent hours talking about football, attacking and defensive tactics.

"He seemed to me a guy to take to your bedside table and ask him each time you need something.

"I've got his phone number, I might call him."

But the admiration will not progress to duplication as Maradona revealed he would not be adopting the safety-first game plan which saw 10-man Inter overcome Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.

"No, not that," Maradona added.

"But it worked for him, right? He won the Champions League."

Maradona also talked up two of his major stars ahead of Sunday's last-16 meeting with Mexico.

He said no player had come with 30% of the form of Lionel Messi, 23 today, in the tournament so far.

The Barcelona forward has had 20 shots at goal, the most of any player in the World Cup, and twice hit the post without yet scoring.

But the Argentina coach also talked up Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

"I don't know if people will say I'm arrogant but none was 30% of Tevez either because Carlitos thrills you playing...I love my team."

Asked if Messi's tournament would compare with Maradona's 1982 finals in Spain, when he fell short of expectations, or if he was ready to emulate his performance of Argentina's last World Cup triumph in 1986 in Mexico, he said: "I think he's there."

Maradona added in Argentina newspaper La Nacion: "I believe he's broken the mould and is ready, let's end the comparisons.

"Leo is ready to go out on to a pitch and leave it (the tournament) with the crown."