Maradona to Messi: "Play in Europe, don't travel or let them use you"
Diego Armando Maradona was interviewed in his native Argentina and had some advice for Messi following his decision to concentrate on club football for the rest of the year
Diego Maradona was tough on the Argentinian Football Federation (AFA) but showed compassion towards Lionel Messi's current situation. The controversial legend spoke with sport newpaper 'Ole' and offered his thoughts on various subjects including the managment of the AFA, Messi and the role Jorge Sampaoli.
"I'd give Messi room to breathe, a break. I'd tell him to play in Europe, not to travel any more and not let them use him," said Maradona about a possible rest for the Barça captain. "He doesn't need to go and play a friendly just because the team wins more often with him in it."
The legend was also strong in his criticism of Jorge Sampaoli. "If you're tightening your belt at home and don't eat bread but then throw a party for 15 people with a special cake for your daughter, it doesn't make sense. The AFA said they didn't have money but then they offer Sampaoli a 20M contract. It doesn't deserve to be analysed."
Diego, who is currently the director of football for Belarus side Dinamo Brest, spoke about the coaches linked with the Argentina job. "If I had to choose, I'd pick 'Flaco' Menotti. Simeone won't come for a lorry load of cash to get involved with this and Poche is earning a fortune at Tottenham, and he'll keep doing that. Afterwards there's no one else."
Maradona also believes that Argentina need to look at the grassroots level of football and improve the structure of the second division. "We have the cheek to call that a 'Super league'? We don't have pitches, balls and some teams spend two days travelling by bus. And we call that a 'Super league'? The nerve of us!"
