Diego Maradona is a man very rarely out of the footballing headlines.

The Argentine legend and 1986 World Cup winner is a controversial figure at the best of times and he only enhanced that reputation at this year's tournament in Russia.

He was actually at the World Cup as a FIFA ambassador, but his outlandish behaviour in the stands during Argentina's games caught everyone's attention.

Nevertheless, Maradona's views on the Argentine side are still viewed by many - particularly in the South American country - as gospel.

He's been incredibly vocal on ex-manager Jorge Sampaoli and has now given his opinion on Lionel Messi's impending decision to take a break from international duty.

Reports from Argentina suggest the Barcelona man will not partake in any fixtures this year, but could return for the 2019 Copa America in Brazil.

And Maradona believes it would be a wise decision for a 31-year-old Messi and has called on his nation to let him stay in Europe.

"I'd give Messi room to breathe, a break. I'd tell him to play in Europe, not to travel any more and not let them use him," he said.

"He doesn't need to go and play a friendly just because the team wins more often with him in it."

It really does seem the logical decision for Barcelona's newly named captain.

Messi needs far more rest in his older years and Argentina simply have to start trying to win games without being reliant on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

If they can start building a solid team in his absence, adding him back for upcoming major tournaments could turn them back into a formidable force.

Maradona also gave his verdict on who should be the next permanent manager.

"If I had to choose, I'd pick 'Flaco' Menotti," he said. "Simeone won't come for a lorry load of cash to get involved with this and Pochettino is earning a fortune at Tottenham, and he'll keep doing that.

"Afterwards there's no one else."

Menotti was Argentina's coach when they won the World Cup in 1978 and also coached Barcelona in the 1983/84 season.