Diego Maradona has launched an attack on Lionel Messi, claiming the Barcelona star has no business leading Argentina.

The World Cup winner was asked about the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient and dished out heavy criticism.

“He does ask for it on the pitch, but before speaking to teammates he’ll go and play the Playstation” Maradona said in an interview with Mexican programme ‘La Ultima Palabra’.

“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.”

“Messi is Messi at Barcelona and Messi is Messi with Argentina.

“I wouldn’t call up Messi, but never say never.

“There’s a need to take pressure off him.

“There’s a need to take the leadership away from Messi, as we want him to be Messi, which he wouldn’t be.”