With most voices asking Lionel Messi to return to Argentina's National Team, there had to be one that suggested him not to. That voice belongs to none other than Diego Maradona, who spoke to Argentine newspaper Clarín about the Barcelona ace and the possibility of not having him around with La Albiceleste.
Maradona's words were not fueled by envy or any other negative feeling. According to "El Pelusa", Messi's absence could see fans appreciating his relevance for the National Team. Added to that, he wouldn't be the sole culprit of the team's woes.
"Yes, he should retire from the National Team. Because when our U-15 squad loses, it's Messi's fault. If Boca has to play against Racing in Argentina, it's Messi's fault. It's always his fault. They should stop busting his b**ls. I'd tell him 'don't go there anymore, man! Let's see what they're made of, let's see if they can handle all the pressure, let's see how brave they are,'" Maradona stated.
Maradona and Messi share a moment during the 2010 World Cup.
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The current Dorados coach in the Ascenso MX league continued the passionate defense of his compatriot while aiming a dig at the rest of the players that failed to win the 2018 World Cup.
"It's not his fault not to be a World Champion. It's fine, we had high hopes about our chances to win the title, but when you go to the race track, you hope to see your horse win and then it ends in eighth place. You see Sebastian Vettel (F1 pilot for Ferrari) with a massive engine, then that little boy Hamilton beats him every time. It's all about passion, and the Argentine team has lost it. This team doesn't inspire neither me or the people, the players also lost that joy of playing for the National Team," Maradona added.
Lastly, "El Diez" referred to Argentina's interim boss, Lionel Scaloni, who is still trying to extend his stay as La Albiceleste's boss. According to Maradona, the team's tactician doesn't have what it takes to lead La Albiceleste.
"Scaloni is a great kid, but he can't even direct traffic. How are we going to give Scaloni the chance to coach Argentina permanently! We're all nuts if that happens. He says he's ready, but I never saw him scoring a goal for the team. With all due respect, I'd invite him to eat as a kid, but I'd never suggest him as Argentina's coach," the legendary footballer concluded.
Scaloni's interim term as Argentina's boss is expected to end in November. He's had a number of conversations with Messi about the player's future, with no clear indication of what the Barcelona ace will do about his international future.
