Argentina boss Diego Maradona has claimed Lionel Messi is the target of "scandalous" treatment by opposing players.

Maradona's side secured a quarter-final against Germany after beating Mexico 3-1 at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. The Argentina coach brushed aside controversy over their opening goal by Carlos Tevez - a header that was blatantly offside - by claiming referees are equally guilty by not protecting Messi.

Maradona said "Whenever Messi has the ball everyone is trying to kick his legs, what is being done to Messi is a scandal - they don't even look for the ball they try to kick him."