An Argentina star has been slammed for being in the national team solely because he is Lionel Messi's friend.
Messi missed this month's qualifiers against Chile and Colombia due to an injury.
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Despite losing 2-1 to Colombia on Tuesday, the 2022 World Cup champions remain top of CONMEBOL's World Cup qualification standings after eight games.
However, Patricio Mardones, a former international star from Argentina, seems to be left with a bitter taste after Argentina's victory over Chile.
Rodrigo De Paul is the Argentina player the 62-year-old dislikes most, according to the ex-midfielder, who represented Chile 29 times during his playing career.
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On Touch TV's Con Camiseta show, Mardones said: "There is a nasty player, Rodrigo De Paul.".
When I was watching Argentina vs Chile, I would tell him on the pitch, "Wow, you're bad.".
His teammates make up for his limitations. He is a limited player who works hard.
"I would have told him: 'You are bad and you play because you are Messi's friend.'
"De Paul makes me feel that way, he's very unpleasant."
According to Mardones, the rant also pertains to an incident in which De Paul is alleged to have stomped on Chile's Victor Davila, but neither the referee nor the VAR saw the incident.
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De Paul has made 71 Albiceleste appearances and won three major titles: the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and two Copa America titles.
