Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Messi's Argentina call-up not a problem for Barcelona, insists Valverde

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde does not see Lionel Messi's recall to the Argentina national team as a setback to the La Liga giants.

Messi was banned and fined $50,000 by CONMEBOL in August for accusing the governing body of corruption in the wake of Argentina's Copa America semi-final defeat to hosts Brazil.

The Barca talisman has missed Argentina's past four matches – all friendlies – as a result, but he was named in their latest squad on Thursday for upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay.

Editors' Picks

Those games will be played this month in Saudi Arabia and Israel, respectively.