Diego Maradona never minces his words when it comes to Lionel Messi.

The legendary figure of Argentine football is always incredibly vocal when it comes to his compatriot and the best player to represent the nation since his own retirement in 1994.

In the past, Maradona has mainly had praise for Messi and rallied around the Argentina captain during the trials and tribulations of this summer's World Cup.

However, the 57-year-old has changed his tune recently and criticised Messi for his leadership after deciding to take a break from international football.

Speaking to Mexican programme 'La Ultima Palabra', he remarked: "He does ask for it on the pitch, but before speaking to teammates he'll go and play the PlayStation.

Maradona criticises Messi's leadership 

"For me it's difficult to talk, but it's pointless wanting to make a man who goes to the bathroom 20 times before a match into the leader.

"Messi is Messi at Barcelona and Messi is Messi with Argentina. I wouldn't call up Messi, but never say never. There's a need to take pressure off him.

"There's a need to take the leadership away from Messi, as we want him to be Messi, which he wouldn't be."

It's no surprise Maradona's comments have sparked controversy in the footballing world and a number of big names have come out in defence of the Barcelona man.

Xavi hits back this week

Members of Messi's family, a spokesperson for Barcelona and now Xavi have all backed Messi.

The legendary midfielder played alongside Messi for over a decade and, speaking to Super Deportivo de Villa Trinidad, he's staunchly defended his former teammate's leadership skills.

"I disagree with Maradona. Messi is an incredible leader, maybe more silent in the dressing room, but an absolute leader," Xavi argued.

"He always wants the ball, he always offers himself, he has character... he never hides."

"I don't like it when ex-players are so critical of former teammates. I'm not just speaking about Maradona, but in general.

"Those players that become commentators and are really criticals of their colleagues, because they've been there, know the difficulty.

"I don't understand such strong criticism towards a player when you've also been [a player]."

Will Messi return for Argentina?

So it's fair to say Xavi is having none of the criticism.

Although Maradona has managed Messi in the past, Xavi has far more experience alongside the 31-year-old and can certainly vouch for how much of a leader he is off the pitch.

The Spaniard was happy to admit that Messi isn't the most vocal in the dressing room, but he leads by example and 'never hides' when the pressure is on.

Only time will tell whether Messi makes a return to the Argentina fold, yet football fans would love him to lift a Copa America title or even the World Cup in the future.

For the time being, he'll have to prove Maradona wrong with every virtuoso performance with the captain's armband.

Do you think Messi is a good leader? Have your say in the comments section below.