“The sanction to Lio (Messi) is exagerated. In American football, they talk with their hands in front of their mouths. What happened with Messi and the linesman was seen. Messi’s absence was key. It’s like taking Cristiano out of Portugal… It’s a team that can be beat. With Messi, it’s one thing and without him it’s another. Lionel will go through two and gives it his all. It hurts me when they say that I had an influence in Messi getting suspended for four matches. I swear to God I knew nothing. I started to investigate and Messi’s sanction started in CONMEBOL. I’m going to talk to Inantino because it’s terrible.”
“Four matches for Messi is a lot and while the words were harsh, for me, it looks like it can be changed. Those who say I had something to do with Messi’s four game suspension were part of Tintelli's group of people. It’s easier to speak with Mauricio Marci (Argentina president) than with Messi. I’ve called Messi a lot of times to talk but never got a response back. Messi’s a great guy who doesn’t complain about anything, trains… He’s like a teddy bear with his team mates.”
“I think Messi’s words were in the heat of the moment. I compare it to the headbutt by Zidane to Materazzi. Without Messi, Argentina’s qualification to the World Cup is very complicated. To those who say I had something to do with Messi getting the four game suspension, I want to clarify that I will speak to Infantino.”
http://www.mundoalbiceleste.com/2017/03/29/diego-maradona-four-matches-messi-lot/
