'Messi shouldn't play for Barca anymore'

Ruggeri stated: ''Do you think that Barcelona will lose their domestic campaign if Messi doesn't play anymore? Leo has to speak with the club president and say: This is my World Cup, I am going to dedicate myself to the national team.''

In this sense, the legendary Argentine defender also said: ''What do you think the Argentina squad are going to do if Messi says he is going to concentrate solely on Sampaoli's World Cup bid? They will follow his lead, and do the same.'' 

The former centre-back believes that Russia will be the last World Cup that Messi will be able to compete in, and highlighted the number of club level obligations that could interfere with his performance for his country in Russia. 

Argentina are firm in their belief that Messi can captain Sampaoli's squad to success at the World Cup, after narrowly missing out and coming second to Germany in Brazil 2014.

Although, all the fans are clamouring for Messi to be rested ahead of the international tournament this summer, none have done so as vehemently as Oscar Ruggeri.