Messi recalls 'unfair' treatment by Argentine critics before World Cup win

As the first anniversary of Argentina's 2022 football World Cup win nears, legendary striker Lionel Messi spills beans on how badly he was treated before he led his side to a memorable victory in Qatar.

Messi's remarks come as the highly decorated forward — before entering the 2022 World Cup — was targeted by critics in his home country Argentina, who criticised him for failing to grab the coveted title despite having eight Ballon d'Or awards and numerous club trophies to his name.

The Inter Miami star, also arguably considered the best player in the world, failed to win a major title for Argentina — since 2005 — until their win in the 2021 Copa America.

Recalling the flak he received from his home country, Messi revealed that he and his family went through a "bad time" as Argentine critics were "very unfair" and bad-mouthed him, reported the Indian Express, quoting the star footballer's interview for Disney Star+.

The legendary striker went on to say that since Argentine's triumph in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, circumstances have changed drastically with 95 to 100% of people having nothing but love for him.

Expressing his views on becoming the world champions, Messi said that he now believes that he has "won everything" the game has to offer.

He went on to say that winning the World Cup is what everyone aims for and that he is lucky to accomplish everything at both club level as well as individually.

"There are very few players who can say that they have achieved everything and thanks to God I am one of them,” he said.