Diego Maradona has waded into the debate on Lionel Messi’s international career, insisting it’s time to stop giving the Barcelona star special treatment.
Following defeats in the World Cup and Copa America finals, Lionel Messi’s wait for a competitive international trophy at senior level goes on.
As in the World Cup final last year, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner was unable to make his impression felt in the Copa America climax against Chile, and Diego Maradona did not hold back in his assessment of the Argentinian number ten.
“It’s logical that he comes in for flak, it’s easy to explain. We’ve got the best player in the world, who goes and scores four goals against Real Sociedad, then he comes here and doesn’t touch the ball”.
“You’re left saying to yourself ‘Dammit, are you Argentinian or Swedish?” Maradona added.
In an interview with Argentine sports paper, Ole, the former Argentina coach backed criticism of Messi claiming it’s “the only way he’ll improve” his performances for the national side.