AFA president Tapia urges Messi to play less games for Barcelona

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia revealed that he spoke to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

According to Tapia, he asked Messi to play less matches for Barcelona in order to stay healthy by the time the tournament starts for them to take the chance winning the biggest sporting event.

The president of the Argentine Football association (AFA) also added that there’s no reason for the national team not to get back to the final if the La Albiceleste captain is at the top of his game.

Moving forward, FIFA World Cup will begin on June 14 to July 15, 2018 and will use 12 stadiums in 11 different host cities.

“I hope all the players arrive in the level they are at the moment. Sergio Aguero is playing outstanding right now and Lionel Messi is always at the top of his game. That’s vital for the directors and the coaching staff. We have spoken to Messi about taking care of himself and about playing less for Barcelona.” Tapia expressed

Other than that, AFA president stated that Argentina is on the move to play a friendly match against Catalonia as part of the preparations and warm up for the World Cup.

If that happens, Messi, who started 33 of 39 games this season under boss Ernesto Valverde, will play against Barca teammates Girard Pique, Sergi Roberto, Sergio Busquets and among others.

“[Argentina coach] Jorge (Sampaoli) told me it would be good for us from a football point of view and it’s important for us from a financial point of view, but we haven’t closed the deal yet.”

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Meanwhile, stay tuned for the upcoming Football Match Ups, Prediction, Fixture, Power Rankings and Betting Odds in WinWorldCup.com as FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia comes to a close.

–PHOTO CREDIT: CBS Sports