Messi: I did not play well for Argentina

Mar 18, 2013 1:51:00 PM

The Barcelona forward has admitted to struggling to replicate his club form on the international stage

Lionel Messi says he has not always performed to the best of his ability for Argentina, but refuses to take full responsibility for the underachievement of the national side at the last two World Cups.

The Barcelona star has been in outstanding form for his club so far this season, but has not always replicated his domestic feats on the international stage, and he admits there is still room for improvement in his performances for the Albiceleste.

"I knew I didn’t play well for Argentina but I wasn’t the only one," the 25-year-old told The Sun.

However, he rejected taking all the blame for Argentina failing to fulfill their potential at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, but revealed his sorrow in the aftermath of exiting both tournaments.

He added: "The whole team was not performing. People and the media wanted me to go out and win games on my own but this has never happened.

"I cried many times. In the 2006 World Cup Argentina had played so well and lost to Germany on penalties. In 2010 obviously the same thing happened. Yes I cried, but the whole team cried.

"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.

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

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