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Diego Maradona Issues Class Message To Lionel Messi Ahead Of Nigeria Game

Diego Maradona Issues Class Message To Lionel Messi Ahead Of Nigeria Game

The Argentina legend has a message for Messi.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Under fire Lionel Messi has received backing from Diego Maradona.

Argentina's World Cup campaign hangs in the balance following their miserable start to the tournament.

The two-time winners began their Russian adventure with an uninspiring draw against Iceland before losing emphatically to Croatia.

Argentina not only need a result versus Nigeria, but also require a favour from Croatia who entertain Iceland.

And ahead of Argentina facing Nigeria, Maradona has issued a rousing message to Messi.

"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 via SPORT.

Maradona waves a Messi shirt. Image: PA
Maradona waves a Messi shirt. Image: PA

Maradona also refers to Messi's 2014 World Cup outing where he was named player of the tournament.

"Messi was exceptional under me at that tournament," he added.

Messi cuts a dejected figure. Image: PA
Messi cuts a dejected figure. Image: PA

'La Albiceleste' will be pinning their hopes on Messi to steer their side to the next round.

While Argentina's World Cup participation appears to evaporate, England have already booked a spot in the knockout stage and Maradona has weighed in on Gareth Southgate's charges.

"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."

Kane celebrates after bagging a hat-trick. Image: PA
Kane celebrates after bagging a hat-trick. Image: PA

Not to mention Germany.

The defending World Champions produced a dramatic victory against Sweden, and Maradona has hailed the German's mental strength.

"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."

Featured Image Credit:

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

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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