Diego Maradona: Lionel Messi's not to blame for anything
The Argentina legend says the Barça star is not the problem
As Argentina and their star player Lionel Messi fight to stay in the World Cup, Diego Maradona has sent a message of support to the Barcelona forward.
"To Leo (...) I would like to speak with you and tell you that you are not to blame for anything. Absolutely nothing is your fault. I love you and I respect you like always," he said.
Maradona added on the World Cup they took part in together (he was coach in 2010): "Messi was exceptional under me at that tournament."
The Argentina also spoke about England, Mexico and Germany's performances at this World Cup.
On England, he said that their "change of style has worked well for them. I don't think [past problems] are technical, because they're world champions at U17 and U20. That shows that they're creating kids that England didn't have in the past.
"Sterling, Kane, Vardy, Stones and the like have given them another touch, it's not about getting in the other half and putting the ball in the box, they want to play, to have the ball..."
On current world champions Germany, he added: "They have a lot of mental strength, I think, more than physical preparation, the thing with them is the mental side of the game. They know where they have to go."
Finally, he said he was a "fan of Mexico" and explained that their performances so far had won him round -- although, despite two wins from two, they still need a point from their final game to reach the last 16.
