Diego Maradona has defended world football star Lionel Messi after his failed penalty cost Argentina a win over Iceland at the World Cup on Saturday. Messi had high hopes as this could be his last chance to win the World Cup title, however, in their opener Argentina failed to win and registered a draw. "I don't blame the players," he told Venezuelan television channel Telesur. "I could blame the lack of work rate. But I can't blame the players, much less Messi, who gave it all he had." Maradona also warned head coach Sampaoli to change his tactics unless he won’t be welcomed home. "Playing like that, he can't come back to Argentina," he told Venezuelan TV. "It's a disgrace. Not having prepared for the match knowing that Iceland are all 1.90," Maradona added. Argentina take on Croatia on Thursday before their final group game against Nigeria next week.  

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