Maradona implores Lionel Messi to stick with Argentina

‘Those saying he should quit don’t want us to see what a disaster Argentinean football has become, Messi must go on, ‘ Maradona told La Nacion newspaper.

Prior to Sunday’s Copa América Centenario in MetLife Stadium between Chile and Argentina, former superstar Diego Maradona stated that his country’s side should not bother coming home if they lose.

But Valdano claims too much pressure is placed on Messi, and he should not be blamed for hanging up his boots.

Argentine television channel TyC has reported that the country’s president, Mauricio Macri, has called Messi to ask him to reconsider.

Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi have both proved themselves to be skilful giants on the world soccer stage despite their diminutive frames of 1.65 and 1.70 metres respectively.

“Today, you negotiate contracts on the basis of whether Messi is or isn’t on the team”. Messi has been named FIFA World Player of the Year five times.

For a player who just turned 29 with 261 Assists, 28 Trophies, 39 Hat-tricks, 5 Ballon d’Or and 3 Golden Boots without a senior trophy for Argentina, Mess must surely be pained. “It is not fair that all the frustration focuses on him”.

Speaking on Spain’s El Larguero radio show, Maradona’s fellow 1986 World Cup victor, Valdano said: “Argentina continues to focus all its problems on Messi”.

In last night’s Copa America final Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick during the final shootout, leading to yet another loss in heartbreaking fashion for Argentina. “It is for the good of everyone, for me and for all. It hurts not to be a champion”, the Argentinian captain said on BBC. Messi broke the record for the most goals scored for the Argentine national team during the Copa America and Adidas celebrated the achievement by posting a picture on Twitter of a fan wearing the team’s jersey bowing at Messi’s feet, with the strap line “Hail King Lio”.

“It’s a hard moment for me and the team, and it’s difficult to say, but it’s over with the Argentina team”.

Fans also gathered outside the downtown office of the Argentine Football Association, many torn by Messi’s promised departure. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back’. He’s the best player of the world.

Argentina’s next competitive match is a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in September, and the top-ranked Albiceleste are considered among the early favorites to win the 2018 World Cup in Russian Federation.