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: "Messi gets kicked around and the referee does not act.
"I have lived that myself 20 years ago, when I was a player when you had three players on you.
"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.
"I understand the Mexicans' feelings but there is a limit to everything."
