Messi, back in Argentina, told Clarin: "It was the worst of my entire career.

"I didn't do anything. Not a pass, no dribble, nothing. It was frustrating. And I was desperate to play another game straight away to stop the criticism, especially for the team.

"Although we're not doing well away from home, we're still only four points behind Real Madrid on the table."

He added: "I want the criticism of Frank Rijkaard to stop, because I know he can solve our problems. He can find the right solutions."