Argentina's caretaker boss Lionel Scaloni went to unusual lengths to convince his country there were no problems between himself and striker Paulo Dybala.
Scaloni was in the middle of a post-match interview following his side's 0-0 draw with Colombia when he beckoned the Juventus striker over to join the conversation.
Having been asked by national broadcasters TyC if there was any reason behind the decision to start Dybala on the bench, the 40-year-old responded: 'You think I have a problem with him? He's a phenomenon.
'What happened is he didn't train during the week. We have a spectacular relationship. He is an amazing boy. We have to look for a solution to see how he feels comfortable.'
Dybala looked bemused at points during the interview as Scaloni put his arm around the 24-year-old and gently slapped him on the face.
The Serie A frontman had been expected to be given a chance to make his mark for the Albiceleste in the absence of Lionel Messi, but did not start either game during the international break.
He was an unused sub for the 3-0 victory over Guatemala, and played just 40 minutes during the 0-0 draw against Colombia at the MetLife stadium on Tuesday night.
Despite the lack of opportunities though, Dybala was still upbeat about what he had seen during his time away with the national team.
Argentina are looking to bounce back after a bitterly disappointing World Cup saw them knocked out by eventual champions France in the last 16.
And their diminutive forward reckons the youthful look to the side under Scaloni holds promise for the future.
'This is a beautiful group,' he said. ' We need the support of the people. We are all young players with a lot of eagerness, and we have to keep working the same way.'