Messi: 'It's a lie I put my friends in the national team'

Lionel Messi has reacted angrily to accusations that he selects Argentina's coaches and players.

The Barcelona star came to the fore last month with a hat-trick that sent the Argentines into next year's Russia World Cup.

But he has had to face claims that his influence on La Albiceleste extends beyond that of any normal player in the squad.

He told ESPN on Wednesday: 'It makes me angry that people say so many things so easily.

'People say a lot of things without knowing. So, on one hand, it makes me angry. But, on the other hand, I am used to everything that they say.

'I am used to all the ridiculous things they say not just about me, but about this group [of players] from the last few years, so I can live with it.'

The 30-year-old added that his critics were showing a lack of respect to him and the rest of his team-mates in Jorge Sampoli's side.

'It's a lie that I put my friends and the coaches I want in the national team, I'm just one more player in the team,' he continued.

'To tell these great players -- [Angel] Di Maria, [Sergio] Aguero, [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Javier] Mascherano, who are worldwide figures -- that "You play because you're Messi's friend" shows a lack of respect towards them and also towards me.

'It's a lie. I never choose players for the team or take them out. That's not who I am. I am here to add to the squad, nothing else.'

Messi returned to international duty this week with the rest of his team-mates ahead of double-header of friendlies against Russia and Nigeria.

They are currently in Moscow ahead of a meeting with the World Cup hosts on Saturday.