Argentina head coach Edgardo Bauza scoffed at suggestions Lionel Messi picks his friends in the national team, insisting the captain has no say in squad selection.
Bauza moved to deny speculation the five-time Ballon d'Or winner influenced Argentina's starting XI.
"They say that Messi puts his friends in the Argentina team and it's all lies," Bauza told DeporTea.
"It's an invention of the media."
Messi then missed Barca's goalless LaLiga draw at home to Malaga, though he is expected to be fit for the Champions League fixture against Celtic.
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