The president of the Argentina Football Association hopes Lionel Messi plays less for Barcelona over the remainder of the season so he is fresh for the World Cup.

Claudio Tapia told TyC Sports: "We hope all the players arrive at the level they are at, which is very high.

"[Sergio] Aguero's [level] is terrific and Messi is always there, high up. This is important for us, the executives, and the coaching staff to see the level that he [Messi] is at.

"With Messi, we spoke about looking after him, playing less than he has, and if there are games that don't merit Messi to be present, then for him not to play in order to take care of himself a bit more I think that's good."

Messi has featured in all 23 of Barcelona's La Liga matches this season along with five Copa del Rey matches and all six Champions League matches.