Real Madrid GM Valdano: No need for Barcelona star Messi to envy Maradona

Real Madrid GM Jorge Valdano says Barcelona star Lionel Messi has no reason to be "envious of Maradona" ahead of the World Cup.

Valdano won the 1986 World Cup with Argentina coach Diego Maradona and is convinced Messi can rediscover his best international form in South Africa.

"Messi is one of the best players today as Maradona was previously. Messi has a decade to prove his ability and gain a place in the history of football," Valdano.

"Messi has just scored the most amount of goals for Barcelona, where every day he is moving more freely, getting the ball with high frequency and this can also happen in the World Cup."

"Until now, he has nothing to be envious of Maradona or anyone else."