MY ACCOUNT
Lionel Messi linking up with the Argentina squad while not fully fit “does not make sense”, according to Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo.
The 34-year-old has endured an injury-plagued start to his PSG career since arriving on a shock free transfer three months ago after leaving Barcelona.
After sitting out last week’s draw with RB Leipzig and win over Bordeaux with knee and hamstring injuries, Messi has now featured in just eight of PSG’s 18 matches this season.
Despite his niggling injury issues in recent months, Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil over the next eight days.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino said on Friday he is happy for his compatriot to play for La Albiceleste as it will give him an opportunity to build up his fitness.
However, Leonardo is not pleased with Argentina’s decision to call up the forward and has urged world football governing body FIFA to get involved.
“We do not agree to release a player for national team selection who, for us, is not in physical condition or who is in the rehabilitation phase,” he is quoted as saying by Le Parisien.
“It does not make sense, and this type of situation is worthy of a ruling from FIFA.”
Messi has played just 325 minutes of Ligue 1 action for PSG, compared to 450 minutes for Argentina across their qualifying fixtures in September and October, not including the suspended match with Brazil.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has registered three goals in his first eight appearances for the French giants but has yet to score or assist in the league.
He has had 15 shots without finding the net in Ligue 1, failing to score from an expected goals value of 1.9.
Only Clermont midfielder Jim Allevinah (16) and Troyes forward Renaud Ripart (19) have had more shots without scoring in the French top flight this term.
Indeed, Messi has netted more times for Argentina in 2021-22 than he has for PSG, with four goals in five appearances.
