Carlos Tevez has hit out at critics of Argentina teammate Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona star continues to be slated in the local media after losing the Copa America final.

“Messi suffered a lot from the criticism he got after the Copa América", Tevez, now of Boca Juniors, said.

"It was painful for him losing the final against Chile, he took it personally. And then for people and the press to assassinate him the way they did.. If I was in his place I'd definitely feel like telling them all to go to hell and never come back."