Diego Maradona has claimed that Lionel Messi is 'an exceptional player' and has lambasted those who criticise his form for the Argentine national team.
The former Barcelona and Napoli great believes that the Blaugrana man deserves all the plaudits he is getting at the moment, and even commented on the 25-year-old's polka-dot suit that he wore to the Ballon d'Or ceremony – a homage to Maradona.
“Every time Messi goes on to the pitch, he invents a new thing,” he told Fox Sports. “We are watching a truly exceptional player.
“It is great that Messi is being given all these awards – and I loved his suit! It is great to see that he has a personality.
“I've seen him suffer greatly in Argentina, but now everyone is behind him – even the journalists.”
