LIONEL MESSI SHOULD not be compared unflatteringly to Diego Maradona because his Argentina team-mates are not up to the job.
That is the view of former AC Milan, Real Madrid and England boss Fabio Capello as Messi’s Copa America hopes hang by a threat.
Argentina face Paraguay in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday, having suffered a sapping 2-0 defeat to Colombia in their first Group B game.
Barcelona great Messi has never won a major honour with his country — a wait that looks set to continue on current form.
This factor sees him stack up unfavourably in the eyes of some fans when compared to Maradona, who majestically inspired La Albiceleste to glory at the 1986 World Cup.
“People talk about both, but Maradona’s Argentina were stronger and had more quality than Messi’s,” Capello told Radio Marca.
He’s had good players in front of him, but in midfield and behind he has missed a defence. That’s the important problem.
“Messi is extraordinary, he lives thinking about playing and not about business, like for example Neymar does.”
Messi’s compatriot and Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone agrees his country’s problems lie with the collective.
“Messi can find a solution in a game at any time but he needs a team,” Simeone told Fox Sports.
The players who are with Messi have to understand the potential they have, which is huge and it’s in the personality of each player.
“[Messi] needs each one of those who make up the team to feel secure and confident when they are around him.
“I have no doubt about Messi’s class and stature, and he is going to adapt to any situation because he wants to win.”
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As a Dub we have had some serious battles over the past 5 years with mayo and I don’t like them but I have huge admiration for them and there players. 50/50 next Saturday really looking forward to it.
It was a very good game, I don’t think the conditions had too much of an effect. Mayo surprised me big time, I sincerely thought they would not be at this stage of the championship after last years heartache but they are and they seem to be getting better with every game. If they had one more forward of the calibre of Moran they’d be very hard to beat. Kerry on the other hand had to rely on their vast experience to counter-act a sub-par performance, are they as bad as they were yesterday or was it just a blip? Anyway, hopefully the replay will be as good a game, look forward as a neutral to another enthralling game.
Interesting. The Kerry full back line looked like a herd of sheep going into a field for the first time. Maybe a billy could help them out instead of Tomas’ buddy.
Agree with some of the analysis but for me Mayo pushed up and hadnt the legs to get back to defend as we will see Tyrone and Dublin will filter back. I thought Moran was outstanding for Kerry. Its 50/50 for the replay but Mayo by one for me so the Dubs can beat them in another Final pg.
@Vinny Hughes: I didn’t know the other semi final was already played!
@Vinny Hughes:
Remember the red HAND OF ULSTER Vinny .your not there to beat anyone yet ,,,!!!!!!!’