BUENOS AIRES, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Argentina face an uphill battle to qualify for next year's World Cup without their suspended talisman Lionel Messi, according to Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona.
Messi has served one match of a four-game international ban for abusing an assistant referee in a World Cup qualifier last month.
"With all due respect to the national team, I think that without Messi we are at risk of missing out on qualifying for the World Cup," Maradona told Radio Rivadavia.
"I would accept a playoff spot now, but Argentina are always capable of finding something extra."
Argentina are currently fifth in the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with four matches remaining.
Only the top four teams will qualify automatically for the tournament in Russia while the fifth-ranked side will earn a playoff berth.
In Messi's absence, Argentina will play Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru. The Barcelona forward will return for the team's last qualifier against Ecuador on October 10.
Maradona, who almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina, called for an end to comparisons between himself and Messi.
"I have finished my career. I enjoyed my time on the pitch. Now it's Messi's turn. There doesn't have to be any comparisons between us," the 56-year-old said.
国际英语资讯:UN voices commitment to support transitional govt in Sudan
体坛英语资讯:Mascherano injury possible headache for Barca
国内英语资讯:Top Chinese climate envoy stresses south-south cooperation at COP23
国际英语资讯:DPRK urges U.S. to return to negotiation table
国际英语资讯:Pakistani, Indian military officials talk over phone to ease border tension
国内英语资讯:Belt and Road Initiative vital to boost ASEANs connectivity: Cambodian official
国内英语资讯:China Exclusive: Shared bikes hit country roads
哈里王子被外媒斥不庄重!只因他没刮胡子?
体坛英语资讯:Uganda to face Zimbabwe in regional challenge Cup
单身女性比男性更快乐
你吃的零食健康吗?来看零食健康排行榜
涨知识!英国法官和律师的白色假发原来大有来头
内蒙古阿拉善左旗高级中学2017-2018学年高一上学期期中考试英语试卷
国内英语资讯:Economic Watch: Chinas economy on steady track despite softened momentum
体坛英语资讯:Spanish Football League to have VAR technology for 2019-20 season
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: EUs new anti-dumping law not to tackle industry competitiveness issue at root
62岁的憨豆先生又当爹!新女友还演过凯特王妃
体坛英语资讯:Chinese pairs clinch final spots at ITTF Swedish Open
德里受雾霾重击 连抗霾直升机也被打败
国内英语资讯:Political advisors offer suggestions to Chinas grain pricing reform
那些英国人最爱的俚语,你知道几个?(二)
国内英语资讯:New EU anti-dumping law not in compliance with WTO rules: commerce ministry
最新研究表明 学生在健身上的支出大幅增加
国内英语资讯:China making good use of science and technology to tackle climate change
《东方快车谋杀案》:成为名侦探的英语必备词汇
体坛英语资讯:Sock upsets Zverev to enter last four at ATP Finals
国内英语资讯:China ready to deliver promises in full: top climate envoy
智能美容镜 诚实告诉你有多“丑”
内蒙古阿拉善左旗高级中学2017-2018学年高二上学期期中考试英语试卷
国际英语资讯:Iraqi forces liberate last IS urban stronghold