The 50-year-old says that criticism surrounding his compatriot’s Argentina form is unfounded and believes he will soon shine for the national
The diminutive attacker has frequently been criticised for his showings for the national team, which have been in stark contrast to the form he has shown at club level.
Maradona has guaranteed that Messi will show his true colours for Argentina, stressing that the 24-year-old is just as dedicated to Barca as he is to his international commitments.
«Just leave him alone and stop with those stories that he is Catalan,» he told reporters at a press conference. «He is Argentine even when he goes to the bathroom, stop with those stories.
«If he cannot perform for Argentina like he does for Barcelona, we just have to wait. He will get tired of all the jerks who comment on him and have never kicked a football.
«These things are normal, Messi is a human being, but I have no doubt that he will give us plenty of joys at any moment.»
The 50-year-old trainer went on to declare that his club are not in the race to sign Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez because of financial restraints.
«We would be delighted to have him, but if we had trouble to bring in Richard Porta, who cost €1.3 million…,» Maradona noted.
«I have spoken with Carlitos about personal things. But signing him is impossible.»
Source: goal.com