Lionel Messi once led an Argentina boycott in protest against a journalist who alleged Ezequiel Lavezzi of smoking marijuana in training.
The Barcelona superstar spoke on behalf of his international teammates at a press conference back in 2016.
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He announced the media boycott in front of the entire squad in support of Lavezzi.
The Argentina captain said: "We have made the decision not to talk to the press anymore, obviously you know why.
"There were a lot of accusations, a lot of disrespect, and the accusations they made against 'Pocho' [Lavezzi] are very serious."
Messi said the team were happy to take criticism of their performances as he explained the protest.
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"We know that most of you guys don't play that game of disrespect," he said.
"We can be criticised if we lose, or win, or if we play well or badly. But this is getting into personal lives.
"If we don't put a stop to it now, we'll never stop it."
The clip of Messi comes after Cristiano Ronaldo threw the captain's armband on the floor following controversy during Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Serbia.
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And fans on social media pointed that out as they praised the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's leadership.
One Twitter user wrote: "That's leadership. Not throwing Captain's armband on the turf."
A second tweeted: "Leadership is not all about shouting."
A third added: "That's how you lead."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo