Sergio Aguero says that he does not understand criticism directed at Lionel Messi for Argentina, insisting the superstar is the “first to suffer ” and continues to make himself available for the national team despite all the negativity surrounding his international career.

“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.”

The coronavirus pandemic has brought sport to a standstill, with the Premier League and La Liga among the leagues on hiatus, while the 2020 Copa America has been pushed back to next year.

The Premier League has been suspended since last month and it remains to be seen when, and if, the 2019-20 campaign will resume.

Manchester City star Aguero is contracted until 2021 and the Argentine forward has been linked with a return to boyhood club Independiente.

But Aguero does not know what the future holds, adding: “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.”