Maradona: Messi must improve
by Chris Stanton, 25 July 2008
Argentine legend Diego Maradona claims his compatriot Lionel Messi ‘lacks a little in character.’
In a candid assessment of the 21-year-old Barcelona star, Maradona believes the heir to his legacy is not yet ready to realise his true potential despite a string of outstanding performances already in his career.
Messi, who scored for Barca in their first pre-season fixture against Hibernian live on Setanta Sports on Thursday, must assert himself more, according to El Diez.
“I do not want to fall into the trap of making comparisons that the journalists often do because each player is his own,” Maradona said, in a interview with AS.
“What I’m saying is that it’s up to Messi to decide for himself. It is time for him to become more of a man. It’s a great opportunity to grow.”
Maradona admits Messi is already revered by Barcelona.
“Barcelona are going to wait for him," he continued. "That’s why they gave him the number 10 shirt, because they love him.
“If they gave it to him, it’s not because Messi is an actor, it’s because he is a phenom, a great player.
“The Number 10 shirt was Ronaldinho’s and now they have given it to him.”
Maradona hopes to witness Messi’s development despite the Argentine's reputation as one of the best, if not the best player in the world.
“I think Messi lacks a little bit in character," said Maradona.
"God willing he changes his temperament because I don’t see it in Messi to become the best he can be, to say to his team-mate something or to motivate him and tell him ‘Give it to me.'
“I still don’t see it. I hope in two or three years’ time we will be able to say that Leo is a leader."