Diego Maradona tells Lionel Messi to 'play in Europe'

World
Europe

Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona supported Lionel Messi's decision to take a break from the country’s national team, reported Goal.com on Saturday.

“I would tell him to play in Europe, not to travel more and not to let himself be used anymore. You should not have to go to a friendly competition just because the team gets more from him. They did this to me, to (Julio) Grondona too, but then we had less money. Today, for Messi, it is not necessary to do this to move money," said Maradona.

Lionel Messi has carried too much on his shoulder leading Argentina. /VCG Photo

Argentina returned home from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after four disappointing games. As the captain and top star of the team, Messi had a lot on his shoulder and again became the target of public criticism. In August, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the 31-year-old superstar would take a break from the national team.

Maradona also criticized AFA for failing to support their team and players. “They tell you that there is no money in the AFA and they make a contract for 20 million to Sampaoli, does not merit consideration,” said Maradona.

Maradona (L) and Messi (R) worked together at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. /VCG Photo

The Argentinian legend has also expressed his disappointment at soccer development in the country. “We have the cheek to call that a 'Super League'? We don't have pitches, balls and some teams spend two days traveling by bus. And we call that a 'Super League'? The nerve of us!”

When talking about who should AFA pick as a new manager, Maradona named Cesar Luis Menotti and said that he does not think Diego Simeone or Mauricio Pochettino will coach Argentina.

(Cover: VCG Photo)