Legendary attacker Diego Maradona was full of praise for his compatriot and current torch-bearer of Argentina football team Lionel Messi saying that the Barcelona talisman has nothing to prove to the world. However, Maradona conceded that Argentina are not the favourites to clinch the FIFA World Cup, which is to commence in Russia from June 14, citing favourites never actually win the cup.
There is massive euphoria surrounding Lionel Messi as the superstar Argentine will be participating in his last World Cup. Football fans across the world have got their eyes glued to Messi because the diminutive wizard has won everything both at the club and personal level, however, the international Holy Grail yet eludes him.
Diego Maradona downplayed the burden of expectations on Messi’s shoulders saying the Barcelona talisman must forget about the critics and focus more on enjoying his game.
“I would advise Messi to keep playing, to enjoy the game. He has to forget about the critics, if he can win the World Cup or not. He doesn’t have to demonstrate anything. He has to enjoy the game on the field,” said Maradona.
Argentina last won the FIFA World Cup under the leadership of Diego Maradona in 1986 as he led his team from the front. Maradona scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’ during that tournament.
On Argentina’s chances in this edition of World Cup, Maradona said, “I don’t know (coach Jorge) Sampaoli, I don’t know how he plays. But, I know a lot of the players and I know they will give everything.”
“And I think they have a good opportunity to win. But I don’t choose [Argentina] as a favourite because the favourite one never wins,” he added.
Argentina recently played an opening pre-World Cup friendly against Haiti and Lionel Messi inspired them to a 4-0 victory with a fantastic hat-trick.
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