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Diego Maradona, the Argentine football legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, held German footballer Lothar Matthäus in high esteem. Matthäus, a renowned midfielder, earned Maradona's praise as the toughest opponent he had ever faced on the pitch. Maradona's admiration for Matthäus's tenacity, skill, and competitive spirit solidified the mutual respect between these two football icons.