World Cup 2010

Diego Maradona Praises Lionel Messi Despite Argentina's Loss To Spain

The legendary figure praised the heir to his throne as the most satisfying element of his side's defeat at the Vicente Calderon...

Nov 15, 2009 12:56:13 PM

Diego Maradona, Spain, Argentina (Getty Images)

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Diego Maradona, Spain, Argentina (Getty Images)

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Argentina coach Diego Maradona highlighted the display of Lionel Messi despite his side stumbling to a 2-1 defeat against Spain in Madrid on Saturday evening.

Xabi Alonso did the damage for the European Champions, netting a late penalty to add to his earlier effort that had been cancelled out by a Messi spotkick on the hour mark.

The loss represented another poor result for Maradona but in the post-match press conference, he appeared upbeat, and was particularly delighted with the performance of the Barcelona wing-man.

“The match wasn’t brilliant but the team responded well against the champions of Europe. It works for me because the team reacted very well.

“Leo [Messi] played marvellously well, and little by little he is becoming the leader of the team. It is what I want and it is what I hope for.”

Maradona however added that in the opening 45 minutes his side were under severe pressure from Spain and in particular the ability of Valencia star David Silva, but was elated with the manner in which his players managed to fight back.

The former number 10 stated, “I leave here happy because in the first half they were much better than us but we resolved the problem.

“The second half was all ours, and our only problem was a lack of definition.”

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com