Messi goal goes viral, Maradona mad with Argentina

AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO

Lionel Messi's injury time goal against Iran set off a social media eruption, but could not stop a torrent of criticism falling on Argentina on Sunday.

Argentine striker Messi's brilliant curling shot inspired 256,0246 Twitter comments a minute, one of the highest figures of the World Cup, the social network said.

The World Cup record of 261,026 Tweets per minute was set after Portugal's defender Pepe was sent off for headbutting German striker Thomas Mueller.

While Messi's goal inspired fans, Argentina's struggle to beat Iran in Group F provoked the ire of the country's past legend Diego Maradona and the media.

The win secured a place in the final 16 but few were impressed.

"I see an Argentina without rhythm. I saw today an Argentina which is not yet on course," Maradona said on Venezuelan broadcaster Telesur.

"I think Argentina has not yet found its place on the pitch," added Maradona who left the Belo Horizonte stadium before Messi's goal.

The Argentine press also took a hard line on the national team.

"Messi saved Argentina in one of the worst matches in their history," said La Nacion daily.

La Nacion and Clarin said that goalkeeper Sergio Romero was "man of the match" for saving two close range Iranian headers.

"More than ever the hopes of Argentina depend on the genius" of Messi, added Clarin.

"Messi arrived in the key moment and in a minute the country exploded with joy," said the Ole daily. "A Maradona-style goal saved us from shame."

Argentina Football Association president Julio Grondona has described Maradona as a "curse" on the national team, according to the Buenos Aires media. Messi only scored in Belo Horizonte after Maradona had left the stadium.

Maradona responded accusing Grondona of being a "stupid idiot" for making the suggestion.

"I say to him that everything I possess I earned with my work. He bought (everything) with FIFA," Maradona added.

Argentina play their final group game against Nigeria on Wednesday.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-23

And Maradona flipped off Grondona on TV. Never a dull moment !

Yes, Argentina look a bit out of synch so far. Looks like a tired, out of form Higuain and Aguero aren't helping.

At the same time its difficult to make judgements when you play a side that has eleven men behind the ball 90% of the match.

Two games. Two clean sheets. Six points. On to the knockout stage. Messi magic.

As a supporter of Argentina I'll take it, be happy, and hope they improve with each match.

And Maradona flipped off Grondona on TV. Never a dull moment !

Yes, Argentina look a bit out of synch so far. Looks like a tired, out of form Higuain and Aguero aren't helping.

At the same time its difficult to make judgements when you play a side that has eleven men behind the ball 90% of the match.

Two games. Two clean sheets. Six points. On to the knockout stage. Messi magic.

As a supporter of Argentina I'll take it, be happy, and hope they improve with each match.

Every danger that is exactly what will happen.

Hopefully we will see plenty more magic moments from Messi. But the supporting cast badly need to up their performances.

Maradona is a f****** cheat who should keep his coke addled thoughts to himself.

totster

Maradona is a f****** cheat who should keep his coke addled thoughts to himself.

totster

I don't remember Diego saying anything bad about you.

Maradona is a f****** cheat who should keep his coke addled thoughts to himself.

totster

Could it be as he knockked England out the cuo twice?

Maradona is a f****** cheat who should keep his coke addled thoughts to himself.

totster

Could it be as he knockked England out the cuo twice?

He cheated, by his own admission.

totster

He has been caught cheating 2 times, right?

So I guess he managed to avoid being caught 1000s of times.

Btw, he is not such hero in Argentina as we might think.

He is news worthy because of his antics.

He has been caught cheating 2 times, right?

So I guess he managed to avoid being caught 1000s of times.

Btw, he is not such hero in Argentina as we might think.

He is news worthy because of his antics.

Not true. Maradona is still revered in Argentina, though some of the shine was lost due to his abysmal performance as the NT manager four years ago.

Not an easy guy to figure at times Maradona. Infuriating and idiotic one day, and very entertaining and insightful on other days. He and Gary Lineker got along well the other day.

As for Maradona flipping off Julio Grondona, Grondona has earned much more than a flipping off. He's a thoroughly corrupt FIFA VP who is as bent as they come.

^

Perspective from jellydog appreciated to balance the bigoted ranting.

^

Perspective from jellydog appreciated to balance the bigoted ranting.

I can't see any bigoted ranting, care to explain? Are you saying that he didn't cheat ? Do you even know who and what we are talking about?

totster

^

Perspective from jellydog appreciated to balance the bigoted ranting.

I can't see any bigoted ranting, care to explain? Are you saying that he didn't cheat ? Do you even know who and what we are talking about?

totster

Yes mate. I know exactly who and what we are talking about. So does jellydog, better than you I would guess.

I was referring to post 9.

Enjoy the Argentina-Nigeria game. It's a cracker.