Soccer great Diego Maradona defended ace striker Lionel Messi after Argentina’s disappointing performances in the Copa America 2011.

Sergio Batista’s team is currently placed at third position in the Group A. They have just two points after playing two games. They scored draws against Colombia and Bolivia. Messi was unable to show his Barcelona form while playing for his national side.

Maradona remarked, “In the saddest moment of my life, I want to defend Messi.” He was referring to his mother’s deteriorating health.

He added, “The national team didn’t attack at all [against Colombia] and we blame him; we are being very unfair to Messi when I hear all those idiots slamming him.”

Maradona then also commented on his form prior to the World Cup 1986 and the criticism he got before making his side win the final against West Germany.

He also said, “I spoke to him during the week and I told him to remain calm. Before the 1986 World Cup I was a disaster and I was criticised by 80 per cent of the journalists [in Argentina]. Later, there wasn’t one who didn’t ask me for a story, so I can understand what’s going on.”