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Maradona compares Argentina's 1986 team with current one

Xinhua, June 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona Wednesday implied that the 1986 World Cup winning team played better than the current one during a chat with former teammates.

The current Argentine team lost to Chile in the penalty shootout of the 2016 Centennial Copa America final, falling to the same team in the same competition in the second year in a run. The heartbreaking loss prompted Argentina captain Lionel Messi to announce retirement from the national team.

Maradona did not let slip the chance to comment on the current team.

"We didn't play against Chile. We won against Germany. Do you understand the difference between the two teams (in terms of quality)?," the former player and coach said to his former World Cup 1986 teammates via a WhatsApp audio message.

The message was published by Argentine media, despite being a private message between a group of 1986 world champion players.

The message from the former number 10, began: "Diego Maradona, your captain, speaking."

In the message, the 55-year-old also complained about the fact that his fellow former teammates were not "taken into account" for the Argentina coach position. Maradona coached the 2010 World Cup team in South Africa and made it to the quarterfinals.

Maradona said "every second that passes we are getting older".

In the World Cup 1986, Maradona scored two goals against England in the quarterfinals, one with his hand ("Hand of God") and the other was a memorable individual effort. The match ended 2-1 for Argentina and England went home.

Maradona was also part of the runners-up team at the World Cup 1990 in Italy.

Argentina's current team lost the 2016 Centennial Copa America final in the United States on June 26 to Chile in penalties, after drawing 0-0 after extra time. Endit