Barcelona have announced that the Argentine national team have apologised for comments made by Edgardo Bauza about their treatment of Lionel Messi.

Bauza claimed before backtracking that Barca “were not taking proper care” of Messi after he tore his right adductor in the Catalans' 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, an injury that will keep the No 10 out for the next three weeks.

In a statement by Barca spokesman Josep Vives on the club's official website, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) “apologises for the statements made by their coach in relation to Leo Messi's injury.

Furthermore, Bauza was not guilty of “misconduct”, but the words had been “unfortunate” as both entities expressed a desire “to work so Leo Messi can recover as soon as possible because Messi is the heritage of world football.”

Luis Enrique added at a Press conference: “The only reality in all these issues is that we all seek the best for Messi. Not only him but all the squad.