On his birthday, Maradona defended Messi and slap Jose María Bartomeu

After 20 years, hundreds of unforgettable goals and dozens of titles, Lionel Messi was close to leave FC Barcelona. The Argentinian tried to do it, but the executives of the Spanish team did not let him. Finally, he stayed because he did not wanted to start a legal battle with the club he loves. 

After that controversy, the president Josep María Bartomeu resigned from his position at the club because the Catalan government does not agree to postpone the motion of no confidence pulled against him. Therefore, Messi was the winner of a confrontation that attracted everyone's attention. 

Everyone supported the best player in the world, even Diego Armando Maradona. On an interview for his 60th birthday, the former Napoli player defended his compatriot. He assured that Messi was not treated as he deserved in Barcelona. He also said that it is difficult to leave a club after so many years there.

Despite countless comparisons between Maradona and Messi, they have a good relationship and respect each other, even though they are not close friends. The 1986 World Cup champion coached the Barcelona striker during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.There, Argentina was defeated by Germany 4-0 in the quarterfinals.