Maradona: Messi doesn’t have to prove anything

Argentine legend Diego Maradona believes that Lionel Messi just has to enjoy the game and the Barcelona star does not have anything to prove to anyone.

The Barcelona number 10 has won everything at the club level but failed to win any of the major trophies with Argentina as the Albiceleste were defeated three times in the final of the Copa America. Messi’s Argentina also came close to lifting the biggest trophy in football – the FIFA World Cup, only to be defeated by Germany in the 2014 final.

Argentine World Cup winner Maradona, who participated in the Hublot match of friendship alongside the likes of Usain Bolt and Jose Mourinho yesterday, revealed that he does not think that Leo has anything to prove with the national side.

Usain Bolt and Diego Maradona. Photo: PUMA

"I would advise Messi to keep playing, to enjoy the game," Maradona told Omnisport, speaking courtesy of Hublot.

"He has to forget about the critics, if he can win or not the World Cup, the Champions or the Copa del Rey.

"He doesn't have to demonstrate anything. He has to enjoy the game into the field."

Messi has been in fantastic form this season again as Barcelona are running away with the La Liga title. The Argentine has won crucial matches for Barca and his hattrick in the World Cup qualification round against Ecuador ensured Argentina’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Messi has a more relaxed demeanour this season and Maradona believes the two have a lot in common when it comes to football.

"He is left footed, he likes playing. I am 57 and just come from playing football, look at me … I am dead.

"But, I still want to kick the ball. And I think concerning that we are very much the same,” he said.

Maradona suggested that Argentina have a good chance in the upcoming World Cup.

"I don't know Sampaoli, I don't know how he plays. But, I know a lot of players and I know they will give everything. And I think they have a good opportunity to win," Maradona said.

"But I don't choose [Argentina] as a favourite because the favourite one never wins."