Maradona lashes out at Argentina FA chief

Diego Maradona (L) and his daughter Giannina Maradona look on during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Argentina and Iran at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Diego Maradona has hit out at the president of the Argentina FA following claims he was acting as a "jinx" on the team at the World Cup.

Alejandro Sabella’s side have been uninspiring in their opening Group F matches, struggling to find rhythm in their win over Bosnia and Herzegovina before snatching a scarcely-deserved win over Iran courtesy of a brilliant late strike from Lionel Messi.

Following the underwhelming performance on Saturday, Grondona claimed "the jinx left and we won" after Maradona had left the stadium during the closing minutes, and the former Napoli star has wasted little time in issuing a riposte to the Fifa senior vice-president, writes Ed Dove in goal.com

"So, someone said that the goal was scored because I left," he began, before referring to the Grondona as a "moron" and raising his middle finger to the camera while speaking to Telesur.

He added, bitterly: "My message to Grondona is that I paid for the clothes on my back through hard work."

Regardless of the unconvincing showings by Argentina, Sabella’s men have ensured qualification for the last 16 following their pair of victories.

They are set to battle Nigeria in Porto Alegre in their final first round match, looking to seal first place in Group F ahead of the Super Eagles, who beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in their second match.