Argentina coach attacks FC Barcelona for 'not protecting' Leo Messi
- FC Barcelona only managed a 1-1 draw after Messi left at field at 59 minutes on Wednesday.
- Argentina will miss Messi in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay.
- Currently, Argentina is placed third in the South American World Cup qualifying group.
FollowMessi went off the field on the 59th minute on Wednesday after a Diego Godin tackle during a La Liga match against Atletico Madrid.
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Messi has been sidelined for three weeks which means Argentina will play the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay without him in October.Â
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And that triggered an attack from the Argentine coach on the Catalans.
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"They send us messages to look after Messi, but they don't protect him. He plays every match. We've already played without Messi. Having him is an advantage for the problems he creates (for opponents)," Bauza told Fox Sports.
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"But for me as the coach and the team it's a challenge if we have to play without him," he added.
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After eight matches, Argentina is third in the South American World Cup qualifying group, one point behind leaders Uruguay. Brazil, who are on 15 points as well as Argentina is placed second due to a bigger goal difference.
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The Argentines next play Peru in Lima on October 6 before hosting Paraguay on October 11 in Cordoba. Only the top four teams in CONMEBOL qualifying earn an automatic place at the Russia's 2018 World Cup.
