The former Barcelona coach dismissed 'La Pulga' will be taking a break from the National Team during the remaining games of the calendar.

Even after his complicated summer with La Albiceleste, Lionel Messi still has some supporters in his home country. One of them, of course, is the Argentinean National Team coach, who backed the player despite all the criticism he's been handed after the team was unable to win the recently concluded Copa América.

During an interview, coach Gerardo Martino defended his superstar's performance with the team, even adding that Messi has taken too much criticism, never giving any excuses to miss a game with La Albiceleste. Martino even said that he willbe playing with Argentina in the upcoming International game against Mexico and another opponent yet to be determined.

"If I was Messi, I would've stopped playing for Argentina. Those who criticize Messi don't deserve any attention, he has always been available, and I haven't heard from him about a possible absence from any further calling up. You will never hear that from him or from me, because that's put of the question," Martino stated.

"La Pulga" was bashed after his performance with La Albiceleste ended up with a penalty shootout loss against Chile in the 2015 Copa América. After the tournament's ending, some of Messi's closest relatives assured Barcelona's superstar would be taking some time off from the National Team, but the player is yet to make a statement about it.

Argentina had two matches programmed against Brazil and Mexico for the upcoming International break, but the game facing A Canarinha was cancelled due to the ongoing FIFA corruption investigation. La Albiceleste is still trying to find a suitable opponent to fill the September 5th date.