Maradona denies rift with Barcelona star Messi

Argentina coach Diego Maradona insists there is no rift with Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Messi has been criticised for failing to reproduce with Argentina the brilliant displays he regularly puts in for Barça but Maradona is satisfied with the 22-year-old's efforts.

"We have given him a lot of responsibility and he has done the job I have asked him," Maradona said ahead of Saturday's friendly against Spain in Madrid.

"I am very happy with Messi," he added. "We have the best player in the world and we have to make the most of it. He has to be the boss of the team. He is in good shape and hungry."