Messi is not a leader - Maradona

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes that Lionel Messi does not have strong leadership qualities and criticised his performances for the national team.

"It's useless to try and make a leader out of someone who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a game," Maradona said during a recent TV interview.

"He is the best in the world, along with Cristiano [Ronaldo], but he's not a leader," added Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title.

Messi's failure to match that feat despite dominant performances with his club Barcelona is seen by some as a stain on the 31-year-old's amazing career.

"Let's stop making a god out of Messi. Messi is Messi for Barcelona, but playing in an Argentina shirt, he is another Messi."

"You have to take the leadership away for him to be the Messi we want him to be," Maradona said.

"Before speaking to the coach and players, he will be on the PlayStation. Then, on the field, he wants to be the leader," Maradona said.