CONMEBOL: January 11, 2016 - Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said star Lionel Messi has the same commitment to the Albiceleste as he does to Barcelona, in an interview published Sunday in the Clarin newspaper.
Martino believes that despite repeated criticism from his compatriots that his level of play on the national team is not up to par as his play on the Spanish club, the 'flea' will continue playing for Argentina.
"As long as he gets the call he will keep playing for the team," Martino said.
In his opinion, Messi "plays the same for both teams and wants to win on both teams and he is committed to both."
At 28, Messi is going through a moment of glory with the Spanish club, winning the Club World Cup in Japan, and is again a favorite to win on Monday his fifth Balon d'Oro.
As for the fifth place that Argentina occupies in South American qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, Martino admits that he is disappointed.
"It is still a disappointment," he said but yet considers "getting to the WC is what it is all about".
Argentina will next visit Chile on March 24 and then host Bolivia on the 29th.
Text and photo: AFP