FC Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has explained why he will not be playing against Nigeria on Tuesday evening.

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The 30-year-old played in his national team's 1-0 win over Russia on Saturday afternoon, but will miss their next friendly against Nigeria because Jorge Sampaoli wants to rest him.

"I have the desire to play against Nigeria but (coach Jorge) Sampaoli decided to regulate (my game) a little and I won't play in the game against Nigeria," he told Sport.

Messi was also stated he was happy with the Albiceleste's result against Russia, but insisted that the team needs to keep improving.

"It's good to win to keep correcting and improving things. We have to strengthen the system of play that Sampaoli wants and take advantage of the time we have together," he added.

"The reality is that we have little time with the national team and we have to take advantage of it to the fullest of the time we do spend together, and to put into practice what the coach wants."

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Messi has missed just one match so far for Barca this season, the Catalan club's 3-0 win over Real Murcia in the Copa del Rey. 

Do you think the Nigeria national team will be happy to see Messi miss the game? Let us know in the comments section below.