Dumbfounded by that statement?
It's just another of those (great) quotes from MARADONA! I mean...who is up there with him when it comes to delivering classic quotes? Mohammad ALI, Brian CLOUGH and John LENNON, probably, but these days? Diego is in a league of his own.
In an interview he gave a radio station from Buenos Aires (Radio Metro 95.1 FM), MARADONA spoke about a number of things, but most importantly, he spoke about Lionel MESSI.
Here's what he said:
"I told Lio that my stuff (note: his career) was done, now he has to go on and build a career of his own and at the end of it, we will see who was the best of all times. But I think he is on the right path. I saw him more mature and with great desire".
"Many things were said after our match against Germany and that's why I went to talk to him privately. We spoke for two hours at the hotel. We spoke 'mano a mano' (note: face to face) and we solved a lot of things. I told him some of the stuff that happened to me. I told him that every Sunday he'll have to face a different hurdle and he is going to have to improve all the time. Many outrageous things were said about Lio, but I'm the one who saw him training and playing. We are now very happy with for him".
"MESSI is in a select level, being the best in the world and a star for Barcelona. Lio is playing his own game with Jesus (note: with this, he doesn't mean Jesus DATOLO, of course. It's just his way of saying that MESSI is playing a 'divine' kind of game). There will come a time when loneliness can invade you, but you have to fight against it so you don't make the kind of mistakes I made. He is great with his family and his girlfriend".
When asked about what would happen if MESSI takes Argentina to World Cup glory in South Africa, MARADONA said:
"Then the debate about who's the greatest of all-time: MARADONA or PELE, will be over. The best thing is that MESSI is Argentine. Brazilians, Spaniards, Germans, French and Italians will have to admit that the best in the world was born in this country".
Asked about his job as a national team manager:
"I like challenges. I haven't changed when it comes to that. My issues with drugs over the years didn't change the way I am. I won't lose my crown for losing a match. The manager has his influence, but the players are those who have the final saying".
Comparing the current situation to that of the build-up for Mexico 1986:
"That BILARDO team was the worst in history. But we went there, we did what we had to do and we were champions. That's the message I'm trying to get across to my players. They have a better level than the one we had back in 1986. When we got together back then with RUGGERI, BATISTA, we thought we were heading for the funeral home..."
"I've got a blind faith in these guys that I'm taking to South Africa. And when it comes to the people? They have given me a lot. I can't ask them for more. Now if I have to risk anything, it'll be worth it".
There you have it.
100% MARADONA.
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I thank God every day that Lionel Andrés Messi is alive & doing things most of can only dream of.
Can't say I disagree with him at all. At the moment, Messi is playing at a level which I have never seen him play at.
I suppose it's good what Diego did in terms of speaking to Lionel after the Germany game. I take it what needed to be said was said. Whether it be their personal lives or who's on the team and who isn't. Not sure how much truth there is to what I'm about to say, but I heard about 2 weeks ago that during that meeting Messi gave Diego a "letter/list" which contained some names that Messi would like to see in the squad. Again, not sure how much truth(if any) there is to it.
It's good that Diego told Messi how there might come a time where he might feel "lonely" and that he shouldn't make the mistakes he made. In the sense that, "I've been down that road and you don't want to go on it".
I really laughed at the "Jesus Datolo" part...
I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVED THOSE INTERPRETATION PARTS !!! REALLY LOVE THE WAY U GUYS DO THESE KIND OF THINGS!!!! VAMOS MARADONA !!! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!!
I think it is a blessing that Messi may be given a chance to put his stamp on the national team. The 2-hour conversation with Diego can only be a positive development.
We all know Messi is a sublime once-in-a-generation talent. One think is is not however is a mouthy diva. He is not the kind of person to make demands and act out. In other words, he needs to be asked his opinion before he gives it. The fact that Maradona has gone to him and opened a dialogue is hopefully a sign that Messi has some concrete ideas about personnel and tactics. I just hope Maradona did a little more listening during the conversation and little less talking.
If we build a team around Messi and put him in a position where he likes to play and players that he prefers to combine with...I truly believe the sky is the limit. I respect what Barca has done as much as the next guy...but Messi is proving that no matter who they plug into that system (with Iniesta & Xavi missing significant match up), he just keeps plugging away. No one can convince me that our crafty midfielders like Aimar are that much of a downgrade from Iniesta and Xavi. They may not be on par (although I disagree), but they are good enough! because of Messi.
Crafty midfielders for Messi is key. Frankly, and I think some of you may want to shoot me for saying this, but I think Maradona should try to emulate for Argentina what Guardiola's tactics are for Barcelona as much as possible. Why re-invent the wheel?
Another great post Seba, thank you.... Attracted some new faces to the discussion I see, awesome!
I hope Messi told Diego where he prefers to play whether it be right mid or centre mid or striker and I really hope Diego listened to his requests. As far as the wishlist Messi made, I also heard that rumor (probably on Mundo) and I am also hopeing it is true. It sounds a bit ridiculous to let a single player choose a squad or even build an entire national team around one player but it's Messi we are talking about and I totally support the idea of it. Messi is indeed from another planet....
I also was hopeing Diego would have been asked about some of the guys he hasn't included in recent call ups and their chances of making the South Africa list. (Zanetti, G. Milito, Cambiasso, Aimar, Banega etc.)
messi is playing at a level i never seen anyone play at
#
WAIT A SECOND HOLD YOUR IGNORANT HORSES
DID MESSI P;LAY AS NAPALI PLAYMAKER IN CENTRAL MIDFIELD AND STILL SCORE OUTRAGUS GOALS
DIDNT MARADONA PLAY IN DEEP MIDFIELD NOT STRIKER DID MARADONA CONTROL GAMES LIKE ROMAN AND VERON IN THERE PRIME
DID MESSI EVER DO THIS TO THIS POINT
ARE PEOPLE HERE SAYING MESSI IS DOING THE XAVI ROLL AND THE MESSI ROLL ALL ROLLED INTO ONE
IM SURE BARSA HAVE A XAXI AND A MESSI AND A INIESTA
IM SURE NAPALI HAD JUST A MARADONA
JUDGING ON GOALS NOT PLAY IS SHOWING HOW COMPLETELY IGNORANT YOU PEOPLE ARE
WE WATCHED ROMAN CALLED HIM THE BEST BUT GOALS DIDN'T COME INTO IT
MARADOANA WAS A BETTER ROMAN THAN ROMAN HIMSELF
AND ON TOP OF THAT HE WAS A MESSI AND ON TOP OF THAT HE WAS A SIMIONE A TRUE MIDFIELD GENERAL
IM SICK AND TIRED OF BLIND MORONIC IGNORANCE
WERES THE ROMAN/MARADONA LEVEL FREE KICKS FROM MESSI
WERES THE CAPTAIN AND LEADER TEAM CENTRE POINT LIKE ROMAN OR MARADONA
MARADONA DID WHAT MESSI IS DOING
MARADONA DID WHAT ROMAN DID AND IS DOING
MARADONA DID WHAT MASCORANO IS DOING
MESSI IS DRIBBLING AND MOVING ABOUT AND PLAYING GREAT
YOUR SAYING HIS BETTER ON GOALS AND DRIBBLES FOLLOWED BY GOALS
OH IF THATS THE CASE PLEASE EXPLAIN RONALDO (THE REAL ONE) BRAZIL
HE WAS RUNNING PAST 5 PLAYERS AND SCORING HE ALSO SCORED LIKE 47 GOALS IN A SEASON
AND WAS A 30 GOAL PLUS PLAYER IN HIS TEENS IN BRAZIL AND HOLLAND
ARE YOU NOW GOING TO SAY RONALDO IS BETTER THAN MESSI
MARADONA IS STILL """"""BY FAR """" THE GREATEST EVER PLAYER
BATISTUTA SCORED AMASSING GOALS AND IS ARGENTINAS LEADING SCORER OF ALL TIME DOES THAT MAKE HIM BETTER THAN MARADONA TOO
THINK BEFORE YOU POST THEN INFORMED INTELLIGENT GUYS LIKE MYSELF DONT HAVE TO RANT AND CORRECT YOUR IGNORANT ASS
CLOUDIO LOPEZ HAD A FUCKING AMASSING SEASON IN SPAIN SCORING 38 GOALS AND ALSO VALENCIAS LEADING ASSIST THAT SAME SEASON
HE IS ALSO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS THE FASTEST PLAYER EVER IN SHERE SPEED PACE
DOES THAT MAKE HIM BETTER THAN MARADONA TOO
AND WASNT MARADONA AT 37 COKED AND DRINKED HALF TO DEATH STILL IMPOSIBLE TO TAKE THE BALL OF HIM
PLEASE WAKE UP ITS CALLED REALITY
MESSI IS NPO WEWRE NEAR THAT YET
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkVgWHPDPwM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLKqQRKh57Q&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlVfzOb_w9s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIxyW39ujGg&feature=related
THESE VIDEOS ALONE SHOW YOU THE MASSIVE DIFFERANCE IN OVERALL FOOTBALLING ABILITY MARADONA VS MESSI
MARADONA CLEARLY THE GREATEST EVER FREE-KICK TAKER ALSO
IV SEEN MESSI SCORE 1 LOL
To the last poster, your a real idiot. No one was comparing Messi to Maradona except you. And before you write something like 'think before you post' or that we are all morons, maybe you should learn how to spell correctly. Your the only moron here my friend....
Messi is a genious!
yes becauase fact makes one a moron
spelling is spelling
THINKING IS A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL
IDIOT
BARSALONA GREATEST EVER SIDE SURROUNDS MESSI
NAPOLI A CLUB ON PAR WITH SAY ESPANYOL OR BIRMINGHAM CITY IN ENGLAND
WITH ONE SINGLE MARADONA
THATS CLEARLY A HUGE DIFFERENCE THAT YOUR ALL DELIBRATLY IGNORING TO BUM LICK MESSI
FACTS ALWAYS DESTROY OPINIONS
i really dont see how the guys an idiot considering everything he is saying is factual, those youtubes he has supplied clearly show the greatest ever free kick taker taking free kicks... iv only ever seen messi score 2 of them both very average,also maradona controlled his team in the engine room of midfield just like roman,veron,xavi a true enchachi (oh sorry im an idiot i miss spelt a word)...
if you dropped messi into a bottom of the league team with no hope whats so ever of winning something would that team become amassing and win leagues and cups
i dout it
but maradona did it at napoli
CAPS GUY I GOT YOUR BACK AND YES YOUR RIGHT IGNORE THE FOOL
There may be only one man in world soccer who can stop Lionel Messi from fulfilling his destiny of immortality – and he will be sharing a locker room with him at the World Cup.
Given the Argentine forward’s spectacular efforts for Barcelona this season, it has become increasingly apparent that there is no defender on the planet who can keep Messi in check when he is operating at his peak. No, the only thing potentially standing in the way of Messi showing the world why he is poised to claim his place among the all-time greats this summer is … Diego Maradona.
Argentina’s coach is the last man who won a World Cup virtually single-handedly, carrying the South American side on his shoulders to triumph in the 1986 tournament in Mexico. As a prodigiously skilled performer himself, and widely accepted as one of the two best players in history along with Brazil’s Pele, it could be reasonably expected that Maradona would have some idea of how to best utilize Messi’s talents.
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Instead, the 49-year-old’s 18 months on the job have coincided with some mediocre form in national colors for Messi – at least when compared to his extraordinary displays for Barca.
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“It frustrates me that I have not played my best for my country,” Messi said. “It is a matter of pride, desire to represent Argentina as well as I can, and also personal pride and satisfaction.”
There is a strong seam of opinion in professional soccer circles that Maradona’s erratic approach and failure to settle upon a consistent playing system have stymied the effectiveness of the player with the world – and maybe the World Cup – at his feet.
Training sessions under Maradona are disorganized at best, utterly shambolic at worst. Even the most experienced of players have struggled to understand and adapt to the regime. More than 100 players have been used by the coach … a staggering number in contrast to other leading sides.
In La Liga and the Champions League, Messi churns out one magical performance after another. The World Footballer of the Year saved his finest masterpiece for this week, with an incredible four-goal haul that destroyed Arsenal at the Camp Nou and left the international soccer community gaping in wonder. For Argentina, though, there is often a lack of direction, and Messi is rarely given the freedom to roam which he enjoys at club level.
Maradona has something of a dilemma, with Gonzalo Higuain playing excellent soccer for Real Madrid and Carlos Tevez shining with Manchester City. Each of those men has a right to consider himself among the top 20 players in the world right now and would command a guaranteed spot on any other team. And yet, even with Sergio Aguero also in the mix, the embarrassment of riches does not mean Maradona should employ a three-man frontline.
Indeed, he needs to build his team around Messi or risk committing an outrageous act of soccer wastefulness. Maradona had his moment of crowning glory in 1986, as did Pele 16 years earlier and Zinedine Zidane in 1998. Those were examples of the world’s best player stamping his authority on the biggest event of all. Messi is primed to do so, but much depends on his coach.
There is no room for democracy here, and the best (if not fairest) option would appear to be Messi and Higuain as a two-pronged attack, with Tevez and Aguero on the bench. Higuain is slightly taller and would offer a better foil to Messi, while Tevez could be a fine later option as substitute. Aguero is Maradona’s son-in-law but does seem to be fourth in the pecking order.
If the Argentines win the World Cup, it won’t be because they had the deepest roster. It will be because they found a way to maximize Messi’s ability and build a supporting cast around him. And because Maradona found a way to be a facilitator and not a roadblock to a level of genius that he should understand better than anyone.
i don't think that guys intelligence is judged by how many typo's he has!!
he clearly knows his football
If Maradona says Messi is #1 all time (after he wins the Cup for Argentina), will you please go away ? ;)
I don't buy the 'heart to heart' talk, and I don't think Diego will listen to Messi.
The players will have to win this thing, period. Diego wants to help - but he has no clue how to be a world class manager.
In fact, Maradona's presence should guarantee Messi's immediate ascendence into heaven if Argentina can make the finals.
messi loved in spain
maradona hated
messi healthy strong good luck and form
maradona hepatitis and a broken ackle
messi yes physically targted and stamped on its happening
maradona kicked and asulted beyond any other player in history the guy was beaten up in spain game in game out his own barsa fans hated him and screamed anti south american racist abuse at him
messi loved in spain
there all facts screaming messi the best with out the evidence to back it up is blind fanboying
iv followed argentina from age 6 in 1978
i think i know what im talking about
Lucas Barrios will play for Paraguay. Got his citizenship from Paraguay today. Tata Matino(A Argentino) and the coach of Paraguay will call him up. So from now on please do not ever mention his name on this website when he scores a goal for BD.
Lucas Barrios for Paraguay??? shitty news!
that means maradona didn't read my comments and warnings i wrote here:)
Vitalij from germany
ughhh, what a horrible performance by DiMaria today. so disappointed!
Thanks for all the views and comments.
To the man writing all in CAPS, I see his points and I take them, but it'd be so much better if instead of insulting those who don't think like you, you'd have shown more class. Somehow, you go against your own post and make it a bit annoying. Like if you were standing on top of a pedestal and the rest of us here were just ignorant fools.
That's not the spirit of Mundo Albiceleste and as much as we would love to have you here making your comments forever, we expect you to just cool down a bit and keep a decent level of respect to your fellow Argentina fans.
Don't forget we all love MARADONA the player here. Don't think people here are trying to elevate MESSI over MARADONA out of hate for Diego or something like that.
In any case, what we all want is for Diego to win the World Cup as a manager (even though I'm against 97.3% of his decisions) and for Lio to win it as a player (along with the other 22 Albicelestes on that World Cup squad).
After that, then PELE will have to accept the last place in the podium of best footballers in history.
There's a new podcast coming up and even without reading your comments from today (which means we have recorded it earlier), I have addressed at least one of your points and you'll get to hear what I have to say about that.
Someone on the chat saying he wants Barca not to qualify for CL final so Messi can be fresh for canada friendly since the CL final is on 22nd and the friendly is on 24th May. Does it make any sense to any of you to wish such a thing for a friendly game??? He even said all Argentines want Barca not to qualify for CL final. Whats ur thoughts??? I really wanna know.
To Anonymous,
Messi hasn't accomplished what the greatest player of all time has but he will, he is only 22 & when its all said and done he will shatter records & list trophies.
Everyone will know the greatest players of all time hail from Argentina.
To LM10ARG-
My point(Same person from the chat) is that we need some of our key players to be rested. The CL final is on the 22nd and our friendly is on the 24th. Sure you can view it as a friendly but this is our last game home for the fans. I vividly recall what happened in 2002 when our players were so drained and could not play football at the WC. Diego is even against this friendly and wants our players to be fresh. I'd rather have Inter who just have Samuel that will make the WC side then have our key star like Messi have to play a game on the 22nd, then get on a plane fly 12 hours non-stop then get ready for a friendly a 1 day later.
Someone on the chat saying he wants Barca not to qualify for CL final so Messi can be fresh for canada friendly since the CL final is on 22nd and the friendly is on 24th May. Does it make any sense to any of you to wish such a thing for a friendly game??? He even said all Argentines want Barca not to qualify for CL final. Whats ur thoughts??? I really wanna know.
Can I just make the point that even if Messi doesn't win this WC, it wouldn't mean that he defacto shouldn't be considered the best ever, or whatever title we're trying to give him.
Again, he's only 22 now. I feel like when people say "he'll need to win a world cup to be considered blah blah" just want to set him up for failure. We all know that the best team rarely wins the world cup, and that anything can happen to players.
His record for his club team, over a span of time, really should stand for something. Who says that it's fair that Di Stefano isn't considered one of the best ever?
Side note: this weekend is Messi vs. Higuian for anyone who didn't know or has forgotten. With Real Madrid and Barcalona level on points in La Liga, this should be a wonderful match to watch!
every argentine people should be proud as messi is an argentine and the best player in this world
every argentine people should be proud as messi is an argentine and the best player in this world
every argentine people should be proud as messi is an argentine and the best player in this world
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