Diego Maradona has labelled Spain as bored of their own tactics, backed Argentina for the World Cup and says Lionel Messi should be left alone.
The 53-year-old played in two World Cup Finals with Argentina during his playing career, winning the competition in 1986 and then finishing as runner-up in 1990.
For the current crop of players, he believes they can finish ahead of tournament favourites Spain, Brazil and Germany.
“The success of Mexico 86 will be repeated and it will happen in Brazil. Argentina will be world champion,” Maradona has told Argentine television this week.
“But, they are going to have to fight against Brazil, they are very tough.
“Germany and the Netherlands are both fine, Italy not so much, whilst Spain are getting bored of their own tactics. They come and go, but are not definitive.”
The Albiceleste’s previous World Cup ended at the quarter-final stage with a 4-0 defeat to Germany. Maradona was Coach.
“I do not regret the team I put out. That was the team. It was not the moment to put in [Juan Sebastian] Veron nor [Javier] Pastore.
“I was the one with the team and I knew that those players were the best.”
The retired No 10 was asked about the current situation involving Barcelona and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
“Argentines do not know how to enjoy what we have, not only in football but in life. There is always something that has to be said, or comparisons made.
“I say leave Messi along, do not compare him anymore.”
