Messi admits Argentina have been below par

By FOX Sports Staff

One of the world's best players, Messi has achieved tremendous success for Barcelona in recent years. At international level, however, he does not have much silverware to show for his ability and has garnered a lot of criticism.

However, the 25-year-old believes that the burden should not fall solely on his shoulders as the Albiceleste team as a whole has failed to deliver on their promise.

"I knew I didn't play well for Argentina but I wasn't the only one. The whole team was not performing," he told TyC Sports TV.

"People and the media wanted me to go out and win games on my own but this has never happened.

"I knew I was not giving my best but I was the first to want to play well."

"I'm my No 1 critic. Whether I play well or badly. I am hot-headed. I get angry because I never want to lose."

In the same interview, he did concede that Barcelona have struggled to grind out results against defensive-minded teams and need a backup plan in similar scenarios in the future.

"Teams that sit back and defend are complicated and have knocked us out. Chelsea, the Inter of Jose Mourinho. Milan and Real Madrid also played us in the same way.

"Sometimes we pay a heavy price for not knowing how to play in a different way."

And the striker insists that he still has the dream of returning to hometown Rosario after his playing career draws to a close.

"I'd like to go back to Rosario and live.

"My son will definitely start school in Barcelona so I don't know what will happen.

"In Barcelona I am spectacularly well. I have been there a long time, Barcelona is my home but I always have the desire to return."