Messi needs chocolate fix

DIEGO MARADONA is using the Willy Wonka school of football as he chases World Cup glory


The Argentina boss saw Lionel Messi dish up a masterclass in Argentina's opening victory against Nigeria.
Maradona said: "We've talked about this and I want Messi close to the ball
"As long as he has fun close to the ball, then we will all be fine.
"If you take the ball away from him it would be like taking chocolate away from a kid.
"He produced magic on the field today."
Messi was only denied a hatful of goals by keeper Vincent Enyeama, who pulled off a string of top saves.
Gabriel Heinze's diving header settled the match in the sixth minute.
And Maradona admitted he was nervous until the final whistle sounded.
He said: "We suffered a little bit by not converting all those chances.
"We've won the match but when you fail to take those chances you could end up with a draw every minute."
Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback was pleased with his side's overall display but lamented the lack of concentration that allowed Argentina to forge ahead.
He said: "I'm very disappointed by the result but I'm proud of my players and the team performance they put in.
"Unfortunately there was a mistake from our side that created a corner kick, we were passive at the corner.
"We stood sleeping for one corner and that was enough, otherwise we had at least a draw. But we are not out of it yet