'For f***'s sake!' - Leo Messi HITS OUT at critics

Posted Monday, December 14, 2015 by Goal.com

The Barcelona star insists "football is not just about effort" and has defended his decision to not sing the national anthem before games

Lionel Messi has spectacularly hit out at those who have criticised his performances for Argentina and also admits he is frustrated by people who are unhappy with his decision to not sing the national anthem.

The Barcelona forward has reached two finals in the last two years with Argentina but ended up on the losing side on both occasions as Germany lifted the World Cup in 2014, while in July, Chile sealed victory in the Copa America via penalties.

"I get annoyed when they tell us put in more effort, you don't feel the shirt. We were lucky enough to get to the final of the World Cup and the Copa America and it seems like we didn't do anything. We got to two finals, for f***'s sake," he fired in an interview with TyC Sports .

"We didn't win, what can you do, but we got to the final, we didn't lose in the last-16.

"Football is not just about effort. We had bad times in the national team for what we experienced. We lost the final of the World Cup against Germany who have great players and we had great chances to win it. With Chile it was the same and we lost on penalties.

Messi also insists he should not face criticism for opting not to sing Argentina's national anthem before games.

"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," he explained.

"It reaches me, every person feels it in their own way. The Pumas cry, they feel it differently and that's ok.

"I play with the national team always as a priority and I want to win everything I play. The Copa America is going to be great."