"I think (Lionel) Messi lacks a bit of character," said Diego Maradona, who said that if today occupy the site of the Barcelona soccer player "with the selection would be" argentina who participate in the Games in Beijing.
"I do not want to fall into comparisons that journalists often do because everyone has their way of being. But what I am saying is that Messi has to decide for himself. It is a time to become more man. It's a great opportunity to grow" , Said Maradona the night of Thursday to press the city of Rosario. "Equally, Barcelona is going to wait. That's why we gave the shirt number 10, because what they want. If it were, it was not because Messi is an actor, but because it is a phenomenon, a great player. Shirt Ronaldinho was 10 and now it gave him, "he added.
"I had been here with the selection, training and I expect in Barcelona. But other times, other commitments, other contracts. In due course, if I were to go from Barcelona to Milan, as happened with Ronaldinho, burning everything, "said the former footballer." I think that Messi lacks a little more character. Hopefully, please God, who earns through its football. Hopefully that will change the temperament because I can not see him as Leo to go to fight for the prizes, as something to tell the partner or motivated and ask: 'Damelo to me,' commented "Pelusa". " I see it yet. Hopefully, over time, be doing more football player, any player over the stadium and more leader. Hopefully in two or three years have to say that Leo is a leader, "he said to insist that Messi should raise their voices, fix its position and go to the Games.
Referring to the Olympic selection argentina, Maradona said that the past few days visited selector Sergio Batista in the sports field of the AFA. "Here I have the doors open, according to Julio Grondona said, never gives me the keys, "joked." I left to spend on the door because I think I know. The Chechen (Batista) has a great group of guys who would have to be men in the stadium, "he said.
"It has great players. I as a commander (Juan Roman) Riquelme and above (Ezekiel) Lavezzi, Kun Agüero and Messi kill you. On the one hand, should have the ball and put much emphasis on the decline. Entertainement when they have the ball and if not, go back quickly and move the line ball. It has a top-level team to strive for the best, "he said.
Riquelme vs Messi
As for the alleged differences between Riquelme and Messi, said: "I worry about what was talked about that. I asked how Batista were at group level and told me that nothing happens." "After I spoke with Roman and I do not think there is the problem. Before be resolved between four walls, and leaving well, well, and that goes wrong, wrong. The selection is not playing to see who it's better person, but to see who is best player, "he said." That the Chechen Batista understands it well. And if not, I traveled to Beijing, "he concluded.