And the World Cup winner, 57, incredibly said the little magician should NOT be called up to the national team again.
Messi, 31, captained the South American giants in their disappointing World Cup campaign and has constantly been criticised over his international performances.
He is still Argentina's all-time top scorer with 65 goals in 128 caps – but that record pales in comparison with his club exploits.
And national hero Maradona, now the boss at Mexican second-tier side Dorados, launched a scathing tirade of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner when speaking to Fox Sports.
He said: "Messi’s a great player, but he’s not a leader. He does give his all on the pitch, but before speaking to his team-mates he’ll play on the Playstation.
"Then, on the field, he wants to be the leader. He’s the best in the world with Cristiano [Ronaldo].
“It’s difficult for me to say, but it’s pointless trying to make a leader out of someone who goes to the toilet 20 times before a game. That’s obvious.
“Let’s not turn him into a god any more. There is Messi at Barcelona and then another Messi with Argentina.
“I wouldn’t call Messi [to play for Argentina again], but never say never. You have to take the pressure off him.
“Take the leadership away from Messi, as we want him to be Messi, which he wouldn't be."
Messi is just 19 caps shy of equalling Javier Mascherano's record appearances for Argentina.
It has been reported that he could leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer in 2020 due to a special exit clause in his contract.
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