Maradona puts faith in Messi

Diego Maradona will tell Lionel Messi to go out and destroy Germany on Saturday just like he did in the 1986 World Cup final.

Messi has not scored so far at this World Cup but has provided assists for more than half of Argentina's 10 goals and Maradona will allow him the same free role he used to occupy for the national team, where he was their inspiration in a a 3-2 final defeat of Germany 24 years ago.

"I want to give him freedom to play his game," said Maradona. "He has no defined position."

He added: "These players, like Messi, if you label them or shackle them, you'll detract from their freshness and initiative."