Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Argentina need to be less reliant on their brilliant No 10 Lionel Messi, says former great Diego Maradona ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Belgium.
Maradona, who led La Albiceleste to a World Cup in 1986, has said that the Barcelona star is "very alone" at the moment.
"We still haven’t got started," Maradona told Venezuelan TV.
"They need to get it into their heads that we can’t be ‘Sporting Messi’. Maybe he can score a great goal but if it doesn’t come off for the kid, we can’t jump on him tomorrow as if it’s an Argentine disaster.
Messi has had a hand in five of Argentina's seven goals, scoring four of his own and creating the winner against Switzerland with a perfect pass to Angel Di Maria.
Maradona added: "Messi is very alone, the team doesn’t have a change of rhythm, movement in its strikers. I feel something very strong inside, like bitterness, rage, frustration, because Argentina can play much, much better, the coach has to impose this."
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella could make up to four changes for the game, including bringing in Manchester City's Martin Demichelis for Federico Fernandez.
Sergio Aguero is unlikely to play because of the thigh injury that forced him off against the Swiss - he has returned to training but will probably not be risked by Sabella.
Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain's places are also under threat, with Maxi Rodriguez a possibility to be included from the start.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments