Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has hit out at suggestions that he selects the national team's coaches and players.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is the star attraction of the Argentina side, but reports have claimed that he holds a significant influence over the selection criteria of the team.
However, Messi has reacted angrily to those accusations, insisting that it is disrespectful to his teammates and manager Jorge Sampaoli.
"It makes me angry that people say so many things so easily. People say a lot of things without knowing. So, on one hand, it makes me angry. But, on the other hand, I am used to everything that they say," he told ESPN.
"I am used to all the ridiculous things they say not just about me, but about this group [of players] from the last few years, so I can live with it. It's a lie that I put my friends and the coaches I want in the national team, I'm just one more player in the team.
"To tell these great players - [Angel] Di Maria, [Sergio] Aguero, [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Javier] Mascherano, who are worldwide figures - that 'You play because you're Messi's friend' shows a lack of respect towards them and also towards me. It's a lie. I never choose players for the team or take them out. That's not who I am. I am here to add to the squad, nothing else."
Argentina, who booked their place at the World Cup thanks to a hat-trick from Messi in their final qualifying game, will take on tournament hosts Russia on Saturday before facing Nigeria.
Barney Corkhill
