Lionel Messi says it makes him angry when people claim he makes the big decisions for the national team.
Messi, whose hat-trick took Argentina to
the World Cup last month, has been accused of selecting coaches and
influencing which players do and do not make the squad in the past.
The Barcelona forward, however, criticised the “ridiculous” comments which have been made about him.
“It makes me angry that people say so
many things so easily,” Messi told ESPN about his thoughts on the
suggestion he runs the Argentina team.
“People say a lot of things without
knowing. So, on one hand, it makes me angry. But, on the other hand, I
am used to everything that they say.
“I am used to all the ridiculous things
they say not just about me, but about this group (of players) from the
last few years, so I can live with it.”
In an interview with TyC Sports, Messi
added that the people making the comments were showing a lack of
respect, not just to him, but to his international teammates.
“It’s a lie that I put my friends and
the coaches I want in the national team, I’m just one more player in the
team,” the Barcelona forward said.
“To tell these great players – (Angel)
Di Maria, (Sergio) Aguero, (Gonzalo) Higuain and (Javier) Mascherano,
who are worldwide figures – that ‘You play because you’re Messi’s
friend’ shows a lack of respect towards them and also towards me.
“It’s a lie. I never choose players for
the team or take them out. That’s not who I am. I am here to add to the
squad, nothing else.”
Criticism of Argentina was present
throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign as they left it late
before booking their ticket to Russia next summer, courtesy of Messi’s
treble in the final group game against Ecuador.
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