Maradona safe and well after car crash

Diego Maradona escaped serious injury when his car was involved in a collision with a bus near his Buenos Aires home on Monday.

The Argentina legend, who managed his country's national team at last year's World Cup, underwent routine tests after the accident in the capital's Ezeiza suburb, hospital director Oscar Sico told local television.

Maradona's girlfriend was with him at the time and was also out of danger. "The two are in a perfect condition, they've hardly suffered any injuries and they came to the hospital by themselves as a precautionary measure," Sico said.

Maradona, 50, is waiting to start a new coaching job at Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates, his first job since parting ways with Argentina. Earlier this week, he stepped in to demand more support for the national team as Lionel Messi, team mates and coach Sergio Batista came under fire from media and fans for their performance at the Copa America. Messi. though, finally lived up to expectations on Monday night, in time to help Argentina into the quarter-finals.

After two disappointing displays, Messi produced a superb performance in a 3-0 win over Costa Rica, just when it seemed the host nation was susceptible to a humiliating group-stage exit. He set up two goals and played at the kind of level he so often attains with Barcelona but which sometimes eludes him on the international stage.

The crowd packing the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes loudly supported the playmaker, chanting "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Messi, Messi." That was a marked contrast to some of the boos and whistles that accompanied the team in its opening two games. Sergio Aguero scored twice and Angel Di Maria sealed the win.