We all know that Messi is not as praised in Argentina as he is elsewhere, but this new dig may just be too much.
Argentine legend Hugo Gatti shared his views after Messi's performance in the 5-1 win for Barcelona against Valladolid, and he was rather harsh when he referred to his compatriot. According to Gatti, Messi needs to take extreme measures to even be considered as one of the greatest of all time. In fact, Gatti named Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model for Messi.
"It will look like I am an anti-Argentine, or anti-Messi, but until Messi does not step up during crunch ties, he will just be a local player, a local Messi, nothing more. When he has the ba**s to say 'I'll join Real Madrid and I want to show that I am the best,' just like Cristiano Ronaldo did, he will be the best of all time. If he does not do that, he will just be a regular Joe," Gatti said.
The former Boca Juniors and Argentina goalie continued his scathing dig against Messi, judging him by his lack of contribution in key games. He even referred to Angel Di Maria as a more influential player for La Albiceleste even with Messi on the pitch.
"It's easy to play in his backyard. I see Messi doing his thing against lesser clubs. I want him to do the same in (UEFA) Champions League games, or with Argentina in the World Cup. There, you comparte him to Maradona, Di Stefano, Cruyff or Pelé. I love Messi, but he does not show up for the big games. He was nowhere to be found in Barcelona's last UCL losses, and the same happened with Argentina. Di Maria contributes more there than Messi. That's the truth and it shouldn't be painful to say," Gatti added.
Even after such a scathing attack, the former shot-stopper wished Messi proved him wrong as soon as possible, but he will not change his stance when it comes to comparing "La Pulga" to Maradona until he proves worthy of the "GOAT" nickname.
"I never saw him play in a big game. I hope he wins the World Cup with Argentina and tells me and most Argentineans to shut up. But now, naming Messi alongside Maradona is out of the question," Gatti concluded.
