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Maradona Talks Of Messi, Eyes Next El Clasico

Speaking to Argentinian newspaper "Olé", troubled legend Diego Maradona looked back on the Copa America final, before discussing his dream fixture for the new season...


Diego Maradona reflected with sadness on his country's Copa America defeat at the hands of Brazil - and looked back on Barcelona starlet Leo Messi's impact.

"For Leo, it was tough," he said. "Whenever he touched the ball, one felt that something important was about to happen.

"But, sadly, chances eluded us. Brazil marked Messi extremely well. Whenever he took possession, there were three or four Brazilians just waiting to pounce.

"And the truth is, we didn't have an answer for that."

However, he retains faith in the player who many call his successor. "Messi is a phenomenon. He has shown this, and he's going to continue showing it. He is without limits," Maradona gushed.

Messi, of course, plies his trade for FC Barcelona - and it is Barca that Maradona focuses on as the new season warms up. More precisely, the 91-times capped Argentine is awaiting the Barca-Madrid derby.

After commenting on his respect for Gago and Saviola at Real Madrid, he admitted to having a "divided heart" between the Merengues, and the Barcelona side with whom he spent two seasons in the Eighties.

He said, "This year, more than ever, I'd love to see Madrid-Barcelona and Barcelona-Madrid. That derby is really a sight to see.

"I said to Gago that Madrid have a great team this year. But, of course, Barcelona have reinforced well, with Henry."

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