Maradona retracts comments about Messi, hails him as 'best footballer'
What's the story
Football legend Maradona'>Diego Maradona has retracted his earlier statements about Leo Messi being unfit to be the captain of Argentina. Maradona had also said that Messi visits the toilet 20 times before a match starts, revealing how tense he always is. However, El Diego has said that he was not speaking about Messi when he made such comments. Details follow.
Comments
What were Maradona's earlier comments on Messi?
Maradona clearly stated that a man like Messi, who is so reserved, cannot inspire his side to victory. As per the legend, this is because he does not have ingrained leadership skills. Maradona highlighted several examples to show why he thinks Messi cannot shoulder the responsibility of being the captain. Notably, Messi, himself, has not shown any indication of returning to the national side.
Further comments
Maradona says people are trying to create a rift
Maradona has changed his opinion and has claimed that Messi is the best player in the world. Further, he has also accused the media of trying to create a rift between him and his successor to the number 10 jersey of Albiceleste. He said, "The friendship I have with Lionel is bigger than anything, and I'm saying that he's the greatest in the world".
Messi
Messi's future with the national squad is still uncertain
Messi has kept himself out of the selection process for the national team, and the number 10 jersey of the Argentina squad is not being used in anticipation of his return. Argentina's interim coach is using other options while Argentina's GOAT remains unavailable at the moment. Maradona had earlier said that Messi's leadership needs to be taken away for him to perform.