Ronaldo would have played' - Injured Messi criticised by Gatti over Argentina absence

The Barcelona superstar sat out a meeting with Italy and a 6-1 defeat to Spain during the international break with a hamstring complaint
Lionel Messi may be nursing a niggling hamstring problem, but Argentina legend Hugo Gatti claims Cristiano Ronaldo would have played through the pain.

Barcelona’s superstar forward sat out both of his nation’s fixtures during the international break, playing no part in a 2-0 victory over Italy or a 6-1 defeat to Spain.

Jorge Sampaoli admitted that his side had been “slapped” during a forgettable night in Madrid , with Messi forced to watch on from the stands at Wanda Metropolitano before leaving the contest early.

Former Argentina goalkeeper Gatti believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner should have made himself available, regardless of his muscular concerns , as eternal rival Ronaldo would never have cried off duty with a slight knock.

The man nicknamed 'El Loco' during his playing days told El Chiringuito TV while reflecting on a demoralising demolition at the hands of Spain: “Messi had to have played.