The FIFA international is in full effect as various Paris Saint-Germain players have reported to their national teams. Nonetheless, a couple of call-ups are causing some controversy.
Argentina decided to call up Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes despite both players dealing with injuries. The 34-year-old has missed PSG’s past two matches due to a hamstring injury and went to Madrid for treatment that would allow him to participate in the upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil.
Nonetheless, Messi playing for Argentina this international window isn’t sitting well with French football pundit Stéphane Bitton, who called the situation embarrassing that Argentina is allowed to call up injured players during an appearance on France Bleu Paris (via Canal Supporters).
“Once again, it’s embarrassing, once again, we take risks with the health of the players, and we take very little account of the interests of the clubs who pay the players all year round. […] These are risks that shock me, and I think that many PSG supporters have not fully understood why Messi and Paredes have joined their selection,” Bitton said.
“Could he have prevented it? They cannot prevent it, but I think there should be better relations between the medical staff of the Argentine selection and that of the PSG. Leonardo stepped up and tried to stop it all, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.”
These concerns are valid as if Messi sees time on the pitch in Argentina and further aggravates his hamstring injury. The Argentine forward is 34-years-old, and his body won’t recover as it used to in the past. Furthermore, at his age, injuries will occur often and take more time to heal.
