The Barcelona superstar netted the winning goal from the penalty spot to edge out Chile in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier for his country
Edgardo Bauza does not believe Argentina are reliant on Lionel Messi after the captain and country's all-time leading goalscorer downed Chile.
Messi's first-half penalty settled Thursday's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier as Argentina edged South American champions Chile 1-0 in Buenos Aires.
It was the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's 58th international goal, which helped Argentina move third in the standings - eight points adrift of leaders Brazil.
Asked about Messi's importance to Argentina, Bauza told reporters: "I do not think the team is Messi-dependent.