Lionel Messi has spent his entire international career being a less successful version of Diego Maradona. He may have scored more goals than El Diego, but the Barcelona man has never lifted the World Cup, nor has he ever had a perm as tight as the one Maradona rocked in the '80s. So the Napoli legend's latest actions must surely rank as his most noble as he pleas to get Messi to reverse his decision on international retirement.
The former Argentina captain endured a horrific night in the Copa America Centenario final against Chile, on Sunday, missing a penalty and losing his fourth major international final. Following the defeat, the Ballon d'Or winner retired from the international scene, sending shockwaves across the footballing world.
Maradona, who coached Messi, during his time as Argentina manager between 2008-2010 has appealed to his heir apparent to change his mind.
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"Messi has to stay in the national team. He will go to Russia in form to be world champion.
"He has to rely more on boys who can help take the team forward and less on those who say they have to go."
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"Those who are saying he should quit are doing it so that we won't see what a disaster Argentine football has become."
Strong words as always from El Diego and, should Messi heed the advice, it would give him the opportunity to finally overtake his predecessor as the greatest and most successful Argentina player of all time.
(H/T Goal.com)
Topics: Football, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Argentina