Lionel Messi blasted by Diego Maradona after Barcelona star’s Copa America failure with Argentina

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has laid into Lionel Messi following his country’s defeat in the Copa America final and suggested the Barcelona star should be treated ‘just like any other player’.

Messi helped Gerardo Martino’s side into the final in Chile but endured a frustrating night against the hosts, who won the trophy via a dramatic penalty shootout.

The Barcelona forward shone during Argentina’s 6-1 thrashing of Paraguay in the semi-finals but after scoring just one goal in the tournament, Maradona revealed his frustration. 

Maradona, 54, has slammed Messi after watching his country lose their second-consecutive final

Maradona, 54, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, has slammed Messi after watching his country lose their second-consecutive final.

‘It’s logical that he’s come in for flak, it’s easy to explain,’ Maradona was reported as saying to Ole in an interview. 

‘We’ve got the best player in the world, who goes and scores four goals against Real Sociedad, and then he comes here and doesn’t touch the ball. 

‘You’re left saying to yourself, “Dammit, are you Argentinian or Swedish?”

‘People have got to stop droning on about Messi needing to be pampered. Messi should be treated just like any other player who pulls on the national-team shirt. 

‘Like the best in the world, for better or worse.’

Messi helped Gerardo Martino’s side into the final in Chile but endured a frustrating night against the hosts

Maradona, who won the World Cup 1986 with Argentina, said Messi ‘should be treated like any other player’