Maradona backs Messi-led Argentina media boycott

Argentina legend Diego Maradona is no stranger to media boycotts, having orchestrated his own "silenzio stampa" (media blackout) with reporters in Napoli three decades ago.

It's why he wholeheartedly agreed with Lionel Messi's stance against media and the boycott he and his teammates have imposed on reporters following a story that alleged Ezequiel Lavezzi was left out of the team for drug use.

"I'm not inside the Argentina team and I don't know what the motivation to take this decision is but if the whole group thinks it is a right decision, then (this) is perfect for me," Maradona recalled to Sport360, as quoted by ESPN FC.

Argentina has been under tremendous pressure to perform in recent weeks as a berth in the 2018 FIFA World Cup is by no means guaranteed.

La Albiceleste currently sit fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table and recently lost to Brazil 3-0, but managed to play to victory against Colombia three days later, leaving Maradona a little more optimistic.

"They looked a different team against Colombia and have to achieve point by point - nobody wins anything with history," Maradona said. "We will get to the World Cup. Just imagine a tournament without Argentina, it will be very boring!"