Argentina legend Diego Maradona has defended under-fire forward Lionel Messi after criticism of the Barcelona star for his below-par performances at the Copa America.

“I want to defend Messi,” he told Ole.

“The national team didn’t attack at all (in the 0-0 draw with Colombia) and we blame him; we are being very unfair to Messi when I hear all those idiots slamming him.”

Maradona revealed he had spoken to the 24-year-old and also compared the situation to his own problems prior to the 1986 World Cup.

“I spoke to him during the week and I told him to remain calm,” he said.

“Before the 1986 World Cup I was a disaster and I was criticised by 80 per cent of the journalists (in Argentina). Later, there wasn’t one who didn’t ask me for a story, so I can understand what’s going on.”