Maradona steps up to defend Leo Messi

Diego Maradona has stepped forward to defend young Leo Messi, the Argentine star after criticism of the Barcelona star for his below-par performances at the Copa America.

To the disbelief of his country, Messi is struggling to match his Barcelona form at international level in disappointing draws against Bolivia and Colombia, although hand of God legend Maradona says the Argentina team as a whole has been very poor.

“I want to defend Messi,” said Maradona. “The national team didn’t attack at all against Colombia and we blame him; we are being very unfair to Leo when I hear all those idiots slamming him.”

Maradona revealed he had spoken to young Messi and also compared the situation to his own problems prior to the 1986 World Cup.

“I spoke to him during the week and told him to remain calm,” he said.
“Before the 1986 World Cup I was a disaster and I was criticised by 80% of the journalists (in Argentina). Afterwards, there wasn’t a single one who didn’t ask me for a story, so I can understand what’s going on.”

Maradona also took the opportunity to send a message of support to the rest of Argentina’s players, but leaving out the team’s coaching staff and officials.
“I wish the best in the world to all of the boys who were with me at the World Cup and all of the other players,” he said.
“But not to the others.”