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'Messi needs to break, to breathe' - Argentina absence justified, says Maradona

Lionel Messi needs “room to breathe, a break”, says Diego Maradona, with the Barcelona star urged “not to travel anymore” with Argentina.

On the back of a disappointing showing at World Cup 2018, a man who skippered his country in Russia is weighing up his options.

The 31-year-old has been left out of the Albiceleste’s latest squad and Maradona believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner should take an extended breather from international duty.

“I'd give Messi room to breathe, a break,” the 1986 World Cup winner told Ole.

“I'd tell him to play in Europe, not to travel anymore and not let them use him.