Sergio Aguero admits he struggles to understand why compatriot Lionel Messi receives so much criticism in his homeland.
Messi is among the greatest players to ever play the game but has his lack of international success is held against him in Argentina.
At Barcelona the 32-year-old has won every honour he can win and is, by quite a distance, the Catalan club's all time top scorer.
His six Ballon D'Or's further underline his success in the club game.
With Argentina though he failed in three finals in successive years - losing the World Cup in 2014 before Copa America heartache in 2015 and 2016.
And Aguero has defended his international team-mate who briefly excluded himself from selection after the 2018 World Cup.
"I do not understand those who criticise him in the national team," Aguero told TyC Sports. "He is the first to suffer and continues to come."
Aguero, like Messi, has never claimed international honours despite huge success with Atletico Madrid and Manchester City.
Next year will mark a decade at the Etihad and the forward says "for now" he is happy at the Premier League outfit.
He has regularly reiterated his desire to finish his career at Independiente once his contract expires in 2021.
But with Aguero still at the peak of his powers he is keeping his options open.
He added: "For now, I'm not thinking about what to do. With all this, the clubs are having problems.
"Up until next year, it can be extended for two months or more. There are players who end contracts this year and if it is played in July, August or September, the clubs are going to have problems.
"I don't know if they can renew with players for three months or six. The first thing is to end this season and hit everything next."
