BUENOS AIRES, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Argentina face an uphill battle to qualify for next year's World Cup without their suspended talisman Lionel Messi, according to Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona.

Messi has served one match of a four-game international ban for abusing an assistant referee in a World Cup qualifier last month.

"With all due respect to the national team, I think that without Messi we are at risk of missing out on qualifying for the World Cup," Maradona told Radio Rivadavia.

"I would accept a playoff spot now, but Argentina are always capable of finding something extra."

Argentina are currently fifth in the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with four matches remaining.

Only the top four teams will qualify automatically for the tournament in Russia while the fifth-ranked side will earn a playoff berth.

In Messi's absence, Argentina will play Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru. The Barcelona forward will return for the team's last qualifier against Ecuador on October 10.

Maradona, who almost single-handedly won the 1986 World Cup for Argentina, called for an end to comparisons between himself and Messi.

"I have finished my career. I enjoyed my time on the pitch. Now it's Messi's turn. There doesn't have to be any comparisons between us," the 56-year-old said.

【体坛英语资讯：Maradona: Argentina at risk of missing World Cup】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame lit in ancient Olympia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas Li Na makes strong start to season

★ 体坛英语资讯：Draft law seeks to find life after sport

★ 体坛英语资讯：China defends Universiade womens gymnastics team title

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Harrison Fords summer wedding

★ 体坛英语资讯：Powell lowers world 100m record to 9.74 sec

★ 体坛英语资讯：China reaches final of Womens Asia Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russias Safina snatches German Open title

★ 体坛资讯：Nadal bags French Open hat-trick

★ 体坛资讯：Bombs mar celebrations of Iraq soccer win