Barcelona 'don't take care of Messi', says Argentina coach Bauza

Bauza was critical of Messi being made to play four times in twelve days and doubts he will be fit for his country's World Cup qualifiers next month after suffering a torn adductor muscle in his right leg against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

"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 fumed to 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."

Bauza also then spoke to Spain's Cadena Ser radio station.

"He has played five games in the last two weeks," he said. "Barcelona, who had the player most of the time, need to manage his time more.

"The reality is that Lionel has played one game for the national team in the last four months and that was against Uruguay."

"He should have played against Venezuela," Bauza added. "However, I opted to look after him and rest him following the recommendations given by Barcelona's medical team.

"Now he has gotten injured. I don't want to fight with Barcelona. We just want Lionel to recover and return to play for Barcelona and for the national team."

Argentina take on Peru on October 7 before hosting Paraguay five days later.