Messi branded 'a cretin' for playing in Copa America tournament

Outspoken Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has branded Lionel Messi 'a cretin' for representing Argentina in the Copa America.

"If I were Messi I would say I am not coming," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Take me to court, ban me, but I am not coming to disgrace myself because I am great player.

"I play for Barcelona, and I am not coming to play for some idiots who don't know how to play me.

"Messi is a cretin. He disgraced himself by going to the Copa and he made a mistake."

Earlier this week De Laurentiis criticised the Uruguay FA for an injury sustained by Napoli striker Edinson Cavani. He has also previously proposed that the close-season tournament be restricted to youth players.

"How can a player who is used to playing in one way, adapt to another way and play to a system and players he is unfamiliar with in such a short space of time? I am against it."