Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza slams Barcelona over Lionel Messi treatment

Lionel Messi reacts to Nando's goal during the Champions League quarter-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on April 5, 2016
© AFP
Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza blasts Barcelona for not resting Lionel Messi after the attacker picked up another groin problem on Wednesday night.

Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza has blamed Barcelona for Lionel Messi's recent injury problems, with the Argentine now facing three weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem.

Messi initially picked up an issue on international duty earlier this month, but did not miss any club football and aggravated the problem in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the league.

Bauza has claimed that Messi's recent injury is down to Barcelona not resting the attacker, who is now expected to miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay next month.

"Barca are always sending us messages that we must take care of Messi, but it is them who are not taking proper care of him," Bauza told Fox Sports.

"It is strange that they make him play in all their matches. We received the official report from Barcelona and to us it seemed strange because three weeks is not long enough to recover from a torn adductor muscle.

"We have not been able to speak to him yet but we want to know how serious the injury is - Barcelona have made it more complicated for us. Apparently studies have been done and we are waiting the results of those, which will be sent to our national team doctors. That way we will have a more definitive answer."

Messi initially retired from international duty after representing Argentina in the Copa America earlier this summer, before reversing the decision.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi celebrates scoring during the Group F football match between Argentina and Iran at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on June 21, 2014
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1Real Madrid6420156914
2Barcelona64111961313
3Atletico MadridAtletico63301221012
4Villarreal633094512
5Athletic Bilbao640296312
6Sevilla6321119211
7Las PalmasLas Palmas63121411310
8EibarEibar631286210
9AlavesAlaves62317529
10Real Betis6222811-38
11Real Sociedad621389-17
12Celta Vigo621358-37
13Leganes6213610-47
14Sporting GijonSporting Gijon6213514-97
15Valencia6204912-36
16Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo612335-25
17Malaga612358-35
18Espanyol6123914-55
19Granada6024715-82
20Osasuna6024513-82