Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has lashed out at the criticism he has received in Argentina for his successes with the Blaugrana.

The 22-year-old lead Barca to their sixth title of 2009 with a hard fought extra-time victory over Argentine side Estudiantes in the FIFA Club World Cup. He is also set to add the FIFA Player of the Year accolade to the 2009 Ballon d'Or he collected this year.

These incredible exploits for Barca have drawn scathing criticism from certain quarters in Argentina, with the media leading the line suggesting that Messi's heart isn't in it when he represents the Albicelestes. The young forward has hit back, in an interview with El Pais in Spain, stressing his annoyance at the treatment he receives.

"I get angry when they say I have no feeling for the Albicelestes. Nothing pisses me off more than to say that I am not Argentine. Who knows of my feelings?" he asked of the critics.

"Life took me to Barcelona. As a kid I dreamed only of playing in Argentina, then for the Albicelestes, nothing gives me more enjoyment. I like Argentina and living in Catalunya, but I am very Argentine. It is difficult to talk about feelings but how can they come and tell me what I feel? I do not mind being called Catalan, but I'm angered that anyone thinks that I am not Argentine."