PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN chief Leonardo has spoken of his frustration at Argentina calling up Lionel Messi despite his knee injury.
The 34-year-old, who hasn’t featured for Les Parisiens since October 29, has been named in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.
And Leonardo has hit out at the South American nation, while also voicing his displeasure at a clause in Messi’s contract that allows him to prioritise international games over club fixtures.
Much to the 52-year-old’s annoyance, PSG are not able to block Messi from participating in national team matches.
Fifa rules demand that clubs release players for officially sanctioned international windows.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Leonardo has insisted that Messi should remain in France to continue his recovery.
It is a double blow for the Ligue 1 giants as Argentina have also called up Leandro Paredes, who hasn’t appeared for PSG since September due to thigh problems.
Leonardo said: “We do not agree to let a player go by selection who, for us, is not in physical condition or who is in the rehabilitation phase.
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“It is not logical, and these types of situations deserve a real agreement with FIFA.”
The French news outlet makes it clear how Leonardo’s anger is not directed towards his players.
Speaking ahead of PSG’s 3-2 win against Bordeaux on Saturday, boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed he was hopeful how Messi could return to action during the international break.
He said: “Tomorrow he won’t be available to play for the team.
“We will see if he can travel to play for his country.
“We hope he can go and play for his country and then return to us fit.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
