Diego Maradona has again questioned whether Lionel Messi is the right man to captain Argentina, but insisted it is not a criticism or a reflection on the forward's ability. In a discussion with Pele, Maradona stated a belief that Messi had "no personality" and lacked the character to be a great leader. The 1986 World Cup winner stood by his comments but attempted to play down the inflammatory nature of them, claiming it was not a personal attack. "I still think the same thing I told Pele," Maradona told Diario Popular. "But I do not want it to look like a criticism. It is not so. "The boy [Messi] they want as a leader and leaders are made alone." Although Messi came off the bench to score a hat trick for Argentina in the 5-0 Copa America Centenario win against Panama, Maradona believes the captaincy could be weighing him down. He added: "If you demand Leo plays with his right [leg], he will play poorly. You have to let him play."
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