Lionel Messi news: Diego Maradona slams Barcelona star's leadership yet again

What's the story?

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has once again slammed compatriot Lionel Messi for his leadership skills in football, echoing sentiments that the 58-year-old made clear last year.

In case you didn't know...

The relationship between both the legends of Argentine football has strained over the years, with Maradona even saying that it's pointless to make a leader out of the Barcelona captain.

Speaking to Mexican programme 'La Ultima Palabra' (via Marca) last year, Maradona said, "He does ask for it on the pitch, but before speaking to teammates he'll go and play the PlayStation. For me, it's difficult to talk, but it's pointless wanting to make a man who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a match into the leader. There's a need to take the leadership away from Messi, as we want him to be Messi, which he wouldn't be."

The heart of the matter

Maradona has once again reiterated his feelings about Messi soon after he was released from hospital following an emergency operation.

Speaking to Argentine newspaper 'Olé', the football legend said (via The Express UK), "I love him with all my heart, he is a phenomenon, but they want to make him a leader, and he will never be a leader. He will always stay in his sporting, family and football world."

Messi was also at the centre of criticism from Brazilian legend Pele, who claimed that the Argentine ace only has one skill.

What's next?

Despite the criticism, Messi continues to shine for his club and will return to international duty at the Copa America this year.

Barcelona currently sit at the top of the La Liga table and will next face Levante in a Copa del Rey clash on Thursday.