Barcelona star Lionel Messi has hit back at his critics during a TV interview in Argentina, after suggestions he should put in more effort for Argentina.
Messi's performances and demeanor for his national team has often been criticised by his countrymen, despite winning the player of the tournament award at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“I get annoyed when they tell us ‘put in more effort, you don't feel the shirt',” Messi said on TyC Sports.
“We were lucky enough to get to the final of the World Cup and the Copa America and it's as though we didn't do anything.
“We got to two finals, for f***'s sake.
“We didn't win, what can you do, but we got to the final, we didn't lose in the round of 16.
“I get annoyed by the people who attack you without thinking. I won't sing the national anthem on purpose. I don't need to sing it to feel it.
“It reaches me, every person feels it in their own way. The Pumas cry, they feel it differently and that's OK.”
Messi has scored 49 goals in 105 appearances for Argentina.
