Ex-Serie A star Juan Sebastian Veron claims Lionel Messi ‘is no Diego Maradona’ as the Barcelona star ‘isn’t meant to be a leader’ like the Napoli legend.
Veron played with both Argentine icons during his playing career, which took him to Sampdoria, Parma, Lazio and Inter in Italy, and the former Albiceleste midfielder suggested his country were wrong to expect Maradona-esque captaincy from Messi.
“I can clearly say that Messi is no Maradona after playing with both,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Ex-Serie A star Juan Sebastian Veron claims Lionel Messi ‘is no Diego Maradona’ as the Barcelona star ‘isn’t meant to be a leader’ like the Napoli legend.
Veron played with both Argentine icons during his playing career, which took him to Sampdoria, Parma, Lazio and Inter in Italy, and the former Albiceleste midfielder suggested his country were wrong to expect Maradona-esque captaincy from Messi.
“I can clearly say that Messi is no Maradona after playing with both,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Maradona was a driving force, a great point of reference and someone you knew you could count on.
“Messi, on the other hand, is a very shy boy, introverted. He’s not meant to be a leader. I don’t question his technical ability but his rather his character qualities.”
Argentina must beat Nigeria on Tuesday to have any chance of reaching the World Cup last 16.