His expertise of Italian art was such that in 1957 he was awarded the Medal for Benemeriti della Cultura by the Italian president for services to criticism and history of Italian art.
Despite his widespread reputation as one of the greatest players in footballing history, Messi has not been averse to criticism from some teammates in years gone by.
Wales have a history of sacking coaches in the build-ups to World Cups and - although criticism of Gatland has grown over the past two seasons - pundits have been generally positive in their treatment of the Kiwi.