Lionel Messi's need to play every minute of every match is taking its toll on the Barcelona forward's body, according to Argentina's team secretary Jorge Miadosqui.
Messi is currently on the sidelines with a groin problem that he initially suffered on international duty last month, before aggravating the injury after returning to action for Barcelona.
Last month, Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza blamed Barcelona boss Luis Enrique for Messi's latest setback, but Miadosqui has claimed that the 29-year-old needs to be 'more careful' as his body slows down.
"The one who isn't being careful is the player, who always wants to play," Miadosqui told ESPN. "We all have to look after him together.
"I think that the national team looks after players in the best way. We sent the doctor for Augusto Fernandez's operation, and he went to look at Messi. We have to look after all the national team's players."
Messi, who initially retired from international duty in the summer before reversing his decision, will miss Argentina's 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Paraguay this month.
Matt Law
