Hours before Lionel Messi makes his Copa América Centenario debut with Argentina, his former Albiceleste coach and Argentinean legend Diego Armando Maradona had some unflattering words about "La Pulga".
The former midfielder and 1986 World Cup winner blasted Messi's leadership skills during a promotional event with fellow legend Pelé. Speaking prior to the beginning of the event, both men shared a few words, with neither of them knowing that their microphones were turned on.
Here's a full transcript of the embarrassing moment.
Pelé: Diego, do you know Messi personally?
Maradona: Yes, yes...
Pelé: Is he a good person? I only know him from...(interrupted)
Maradona: Yes, he's a good lad, but he has no personality. He doesn't have what it takes to be a leader.
Pelé: Oh, I see...
Maradona: Yes, he is like...(makes a hand gesture implying he doesn't step up when he is needed).
Pelé: So, he's just a talented player, just like the ones that played when we were around.
Maradona: Yes, exactly, he's like any other talented player.
Pelé: Back in the 70s I had Rivelino, Gerson, he had a wonderful left foot...
The Brazilian superstar was interrupted by one of the campaign's spokesmen, who asked them what they were talking about.
"We were talking about Messi and his role with Argentina. He (Maradona) says that he is without a doubt a great player, but he lacks personality," Pelé concluded.
Watch the full video here.
Tomorrow, Messi will play his first Copa América Centenario match against Panamá. "La Pulga" missed the first game of the tournament due to a hip injury, and even without him, La Albiceleste managed to defeat Chile back on Monday.
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