Messi Should Have Been Fined - Cruyff

The Argentinian forward returned to the Barcelona side against Racing at the weekend having recovered from a muscle injury that had kept him out since before Christmas.

Last week, Messi travelled to Doha in Qatar to promor awareness of malaria in Africa without informing Barça first and Cruyff was infuriated that no action was taken.

"His trip to Qatar when he was injured is unacceptable," the Dutchman said. "It would be all the same to me if had taken a holiday.

"What are the agents thinking about as they know that he has to return in perfect condition and how important he is to the club.

"It is not a question of the internal code of conduct, but just pure common sense."

Barcelona are said to have registered their discontent, but did not want to be seen to be criticising one of their players for undertaking a huminatrian mission.

Cruyff, who still has plenty of influence at Camp Nou, was stunned and called action to be taken to prevent players doing anything that wanted in the future.

"What happens if he injures himself again. It may not have happened, but you have to say it could have," he continued.

"Football has to always be first. Whether it be the player of the agent who has to explained then they do not understand or know why it was wrong then they should be fined."