Basile Hails Messi's Wonder Goal, Draws Maradona Comparison
Argentina coach Alfio Basile felt lavished Lionel Messi's goal agaisnt Mexico as pure "genius".

It was an incorrigibly deft chip over Oswaldo Sanchez on the hour mark that created a goal out of nothing, leaving fans and the media singing praises of the diminutive Argentine.

"Only a genius could do this," gushed Basile over Messi's effort. "It was unbelievable."

Asked about the comparisons with Diego Maradona, he said: "He is going in that direction, yes.

"I have had the pleaure of training both of them, and both of them can do what common players cannot."

Basile called for caution, though.

"However, to compare Maradona with a boy who is just starting out is not fair," he warned. "Messi is a very intelligent player, and he needs to be given the freedom to do what he does best.

"He knows how to run into areas where he can be dangerous."

Mexico coach Hugo Sanchez was in more sombre mood. "We tried, but the opponents were superior," he said graciously.