Argentina coach Diego Maradona said Thursday that Carlos Tévez will start the team's opening World Cup clash against Nigeria on Saturday and described the striker as an "idol".

"Carlitos cannot be left out of the team. He is an idol of the people, more than me and Lionel Messi, so I read," Maradona told TyC Sports television.

Maradona also insisted that Barcelona star Messi, who is key to the team's chances at the World Cup in South Africa, is fit and ready to play despite some doubts expressed in the Argentine media that he has looked jaded in training.

"Everything is good with Messi. There are no problems," said Maradona.