Messi was 'five times better' under me - Maradona

Diego Maradona believes that Lionel Messi performed better when he was coach of the Argentina national team.

26 July 2014, 1:40pm
by Staff Reporter

1 min read

Diego Maradona celebrates with Argentina's Lionel Messi after their 2010 World Cup second round soccer match against Mexico

TWEET SHARE

The Albicelestes hero was in charge of the side at the 2010 World Cup, and despite not finding the net, the former Napoli striker has insisted that the 27-year-old was more effective under him, compared to the 2014 vintage with Alejandro Sabella in charge.

“With me, Messi played five times better than with Sabella. Don’t tell me that now he sacrifices himself for the team.” Maradona told reporters at a friendly in Rio Tercero.

“I don't like Sabella [for the job]. There’s someone forgotten - Menotti, who is not working because he fights against the mafia [the AFA].”