Diego Maradona: Messi is alone with the Argentine national team
Maradona was critical of Sampaoli and a number of players
However, he came out in defence of Barça's Lionel Messi
Diego Maradona has come down hard on Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli, but has defended Barcelona star Lionel Messi.
In an interview with Clarin to celebrate his 57th birthday, Maradona accused Sampaoli of being fake.
“What I’ve never liked though is those who try to sell me smoke," he said.
"I remember when I was in Croatia watching the Davis Cup , Sampaoli called me to talk about doing a project at Sevilla.
“Then, once he was called to lead the national team, he didn’t even remember the name of my partner.
“I’d never have worked with those who are fake, mediocre and think they are bigger than they are. I don’t agree with him, nor with [President of the Argentinian FA Claudio] Tapia."
Maradona also criticised Sampaoli for sidelining Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in recent games.
“He [Sampaoli] brought a sorcerer to Ecuador, which is as bad as calling an injured Icardi when you leave out Higuain, who has always scored goals," he added.
"[Icardi] didn’t play, granted, but he was there. You can’t leave Kun [Sergio] Aguero out of the first list and call this Pata de lana [someone who steals his friend’s wife].
“The one with the woman who wants to get involved in football and be his agent, the one who plays ball with Maxi Lopez’s children. I know the story well.
“She [Wanda] called [Edgardo] Bauza three times, the other [presumably Gerardi Martino] four. The coaches themselves, or their assistants told me this.
“I don’t know how many times Wanda Nara called Sampaoli. It’s filthy because there’s also the ‘player, president and entrepreneur’ named Juan Sebastian Veron, the one who did the first call-ups for Sampaoli."
With respect to Messi, Maradona indicated "he doesn't need to win a World Cup to be great. He already is."
And he added: "He's alone [on the Argentina team]. There’s not a player on the team who understands Messi, the closest thing is Kun. [Paulo] Dybala’s a great player, but he’s at another speed, on another wavelength."
