Edgardo Bauza says he does not base his Argentina selection around captain Lionel Messi.
Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza has refuted claims he operates a "friends of Lionel Messi" selection policy.
Pressure on the Argentina boss increased with a 1-0 defeat at home to Paraguay in 2018 World Cup qualifying Tuesday, leaving the South American giants outside of the top four in the CONMEBOL section and without a win in three.
Angel Di Maria endured a disappointing match in Cordoba while Sergio Aguero failed to convert a penalty, with Bauza criticized for not substituting either player.
Bauza's decisions have led to allegations his team selection is based around the whims of talisman and captain Messi, who is reportedly responsible for Mauro Icardi's ongoing absence from the squad due to his friendship with Maxi Lopez, whose former partner, Wanda Nara, is now married to Icardi.