Lionel Messi
has revealed reasons behind his decision to be excused from Tuesday's friendly
encounter against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Sportinglens.blogspot.com
understands.
Messi said
he will be used sparingly by Argentina in forthcoming friendly matches in order
to be in peak condition for next summer's World Cup.
Although the
Barcelona star played for Jorge Sampaoli's team in their 1-0 win over Russia on
Saturday, he will not feature in their fixture with Nigeria in Krasnodar on
Tuesday.
The
30-year-old is a crucial player for both club and country, scoring 17 goals in
16 appearances for the Catalan club this season so far.
'We talked
to him [Sampaoli]. We play many games in the season — the Champions League, the
Copa del Rey, La Liga, plus everything about the national team and the trips,'
Messi said.
'I want to
get to the World Cup in the best way.'
After losing
the last World Cup final 1-0 to Germany, Argentina are leaving little to chance
this time and are spending time in Russia to acclimatise.
Sergio
Aguero's late goal defeated Russia in their friendly on Saturday night and they
now head off to Krasnodar to take on Nigeria.
Manchester
City striker Aguero moved ahead of Diego Maradona in the all-time list of
Argentina goalscorers, taking his tally to 35, the same amount as Hernan
Crespo.
Only Messi
(61) and Gabriel Batistuta (54) sit ahead of Aguero in the ranking.
'It's nice
and important for Kun to score goals,' Messi said.
'I'm happy
for him. He's been making a lot of goals for City and now he's doing it in the
national team. I love it.'
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