A new Paris Saint-Germain signing has denied there being any bad blood between himself and Lionel Messi after questions were raised about the pair playing together for Argentina.
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Mauro Icardi, who recently joined PSG on a season-long loan from Inter Milan, has endured a stop-start career with Argentina after having an affair with Wanda Nara, the former wife of then-national teammate Maxi Lopez.
Icardi and Nara have since got married, but the incident left the 26-year-old in international limbo after his squad mates reportedly refused to train and play alongside him.
Messi, who is the Albiceleste's captain and all-time leading goalscorer, was said to be the most influential in his disapproval of Icardi being part of the team, but the Les Parisiens forward has now denied there being any rift between himself and his countryman.
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"I knew (Messi) at Barcelona years ago, I let people talk, these are things we cannot avoid," Icardi told French media outlet Canal +.
"I do not believe in these stories. I was able to meet him; he is the best player in the world. I appreciate him enormously. Those who know me know who I really am, and that's all that matters... It's been seven years.
"Wanda is famous, I am too. But that does not affect my game. Otherwise I would not have played for Inter and scored 150 goals. We try to live our relationship as best as possible. We are both in love. And we do not choose who we fall in love with, it's like that."
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Icardi made his PSG debut against Strasbourg on 14 September, but is yet to get off the mark for his new club.
Do you think Icardi's personal life should affect his Argentina career as it seemingly has thus far? Let us have your thoughts by commenting in the section below.
