Maradon advises Mess: Don't predict the World, you just keep playing

Diego Maradona thinks Lionel Messi should not testify to Argentina as Barcelona's superstar is preparing for what might be his last World Champion.

Argentina reached the final in Brazil, four years ago, but was narrowly defeated by Germany, with Mario Gotze's goal at the extra time.

Maradona inspired Argentina to have its last glory when it won the World Cup at “Mexico 1986”.

But Messie couldn't record a comparable triumph, seeing he lost three times in the grand finals before temporarily withdrawing from international duty, following the loss of “Cover America Centinario” in Chile in 2016.

Messi's assessment is that Argentina is not one of the main favourites for the title in “Russia-1818x1>, but, if Maradona is not supporting “Albileste”, that's for another reason.

I would advise Messin to continue playing, to enjoy the game Maradona told “Omnisport”, Telesport writes.

He should forget critics whether he can win the World Cup or not.

He must not demonstrate anything. He should enjoy the field game.

I know a lot about national players and I know they'll give everything.

I think they have a good chance of winning, but I don't choose Argentina as a favourite, because the one who's preferred never wins the World”.