Messi to critics: Go f**k yourselves

Lionel Messi. Photo / Getty Images.

Football superstar Lionel Messi launched a terrific tirade against critics, telling them to "go f**k yourselves" and has also bagged the obsession with anthem singing.

His main target appears to be those in his Argentinian homeland who have questioned his commitment to the national side over the years.

The Barcelona striker, speaking in Spanish, said: "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'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 still hear criticism from the national team. I say 'go f*** yourself'. We got to the final and didn't lose in the quarters.

"I get bothered by the Argentines that criticise my running or my lack of balls."

Messi, the FIFA player of the tournament at the 2014 World Cup, has also been criticised for not singing the Argentina national anthem at the start of international fixtures.

He had not forgotten the first time he received negative attention for not singing the Himno Nacional Argentino.

"Ever since they criticise me for not singing the anthem, I stopped singing it on purpose," he told tycsports.com.

"The anthem thing is ridiculous. I never cared about it. Ever since they criticised me, I stopped singing it.

"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.