Diego Maradona Is Being Paid £10,000 A Day To Be At The World Cup

During Argentina's three games in the Group Stages one man has found himself on television more than everyone else. Weirdly though it wasn't Lionel Messi but instead Diego Maradona.

Lionel Messi's troubles in the first couple of games for Argentina was the big story on everyone's lips as suddenly the Barcelona forward was under immense amounts of pressure.

He finally relieved some of it by scoring their opener in the 2-1 win over Nigeria that took them through to the knockout stages, helped by Croatia's win against Iceland.

But Messi hasn't been the focus of all the headlines when it comes to Argentina and the World Cup because a lot of those belong to Diego Maradona.

The infamous former player and manager of the national team has been pictured on a private jet, making a racist gesture to South Korea fans, giving double middle fingers to Nigeria fans and even getting medical help after binging on white wine during the final group game.

He's been Argentina's number one fan, sat in a box with his friends and absolutely loving life and it's no surprise considering he's being paid £10,000 per game to be there.

According to the Mail the 1986 World Cup winner gets paid by FIFA, plus covering his travel, accommodation and expenses, as part of Gianni Infantino's 'legends concept.'

Maradona drinking it in. Image: PA Images

Under the idea past greats are in attendance to remind views of historic moments from the World Cup. Because without Maradona in the stands we'd forget about the goal against England in 86', not the handball.

Ronaldo, Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas, Xavi and Samuel Eto'o are others who are part of Infantino's ides but reportedly Maradona is on more money than the rest.

Considering the negative attention Maradona has been bringing to himself it's not exactly been money well spent, in fact he's reminded us more of the 1994 tournament than the 86 one.

You wonder if he's been trying to claim that desert on his expenses. I mean imagine someone trying to put that on their expense form, what would you write down?

Essentially Maradona is having the time of his life and being paid by FIFA to do so, it's a tough life. Just don't go killing yourself over it Diego.

Topics: Football News, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, World Cup news, Argentina, World Cup

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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