Diego Armando Maradona wants the criticism to stop, but he demands Lionel Messi to show why he is considered one of the greatest. During an interview published by his country's newspaper Olé, Maradona referred to Messi's performance in the 2015 Copa América, which he felt needed a little heart. In fact, "El Diez" thinks all those critics should come in handy if the player wants to improve his performances with Argentina.
"We've got the best in the world, the one that goes on and scores four against Real Sociedad, but then he comes here and he doesn't touch the ball. Then we think 'what the hell? Are you Argentinean or Swedish'? We have to ask more from him so he gets better," Maradona said.
Maradona and Messi, moments after being eliminated from the 2010 World Cup.
The Argentinean legend, who has cast a shadow over Messi due to his accomplishments with the National Team, believes that Messi should always be included in any call up, but he also thinks that any special treatment when it comes to La Pulga should stop.
"Those guys that say that Messi has to be pampered have to get realistic. He should be treated just like any other guy that wears the jersey. He is the best in the world, for better of for worse, and that's it. He has to be around, and we should not be doing any polls to know if he should come back and play for Argentina. That's not an option. The only thing we have to worry about is letting these guys know that we can't get used to finish in second place all the time,"the former coach added.
Maradona also referred to what was the team's problem during the South American tournament.
We have a team that's used to attack. The problem comes when you go out there and the other team is attacking you. We never knew what to do, we didn't have a 'Plan B', and you need one in that sort of situation. Our players' mentality has to change if we want to win trophies again," Maradona concluded.
