Russia 2018 can still be Leo Messi’s World Cup: Diego Maradona

It may have taken Lionel Messi three games to open his goal-scoring account in the World Cup this edition, but Diego Maradona believes Russia, 2018 can still be Messi’s World Cup.

Yes, of course, it can be,” he told Marca when asked if it could still be Messi’s tournament.

“This is just beginning,” he added. It’s in diapers. Now is when we start playing. No-one can retreat any more. The teams have to attack. If not, at most you go to penalties.”

Argentina scrambled through to the last 16 needing a dramatic 2-1 win over Nigeria in their final Group D game, their first win in the tournament.

Messi finally scored in that match and what a goal it proved to be. Three Divine touches – two to gather, one to score. It was the opening goal for ‘La Albiceleste’ before Marcos Rojo volleyed home a 86th minute winner to set up a date against France in the pre-quarterfinals.

Maradona who won the prestigious tournament with Argentina in 1986 was in the stands that day watching through as his beloved nation scripted a fairy-tale comeback. He later suffered a health scare and was attended to by paramedics inside the stadium’s health-centre.

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He promised to be once again at the Kazan Arena on Saturday, vouching for the South Americans against a talented and young French team.

The 57-year-old also added that he would love to see Argentina meet Spain – where he played club football for Barcelona and Sevilla – in the World Cup final.

“I wish it were given, and it can be given the route they both go,” Maradona said. “And hopefully Argentina arrive at that, but there is still a long way to go. I have a lot of respect for France and Spain will not have an easy time against Russia either.”

“Now is when all the players start their engines. Their dream is to win a World Cup and now they must prove it,” he added.