Barcelona manager Luis Enrique refused to be drawn into a war of words with Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza as he prepares for Saturday's visit to his former club Sporting Gijon without Lionel Messi.
Bauza accused Barca of failing to look after Messi -- who will be sidelined for three weeks after injuring his groin against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday -- although he has since added that he's not looking for a fight with the Catalan club.
As measured as ever, Luis Enrique refused to indulge in a club vs. country conflict and underlined the fact that everyone has Messi's best interests at heart.
"The only reality of the situation is that everyone is looking out for the best for the player," he said in a news conference on Friday.
"Whenever a player is injured it's bad news. That the best player in the world is injured is bad news for everyone, not just for Barcelona.
"Apart from that, I'm not going to get involved in these matters that muddy football."
Messi will miss a minimum of three games for Barcelona and two for Argentina, starting with this weekend's game against Sporting at El Molinon.
Luis Enrique concedes it's a setback to be without the 29-year-old, but was keen to point out that it's a situation the Blaugrana have managed to come through before.
�� Luis Enrique: "We all want the best for Messi. When the best player in the world gets injured it hurts everyone, not just Barça" #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/Zevygo9pqQ
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 23, 2016
During eight weeks without their No. 10 last season, Barca won eight and lost just one -- they were even 4-0 up at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid when he eventually made his comeback as a second-half substitute last November.
"With Messi we're stronger and I hope he recovers as soon as possible, but we have a great squad," Luis Enrique added.
"The team responded wonderfully without him last season. It's difficult not having Messi, it always is, but we have demonstrated we have the resources to not have to depend on him.
"To be able to win titles you have to come through moments like this, with important players missing."
Messi aside, Barca will also be without centre-back Samuel Umtiti against Sporting, while Sergio Busquets is touch and go having had to come off with flu during the 1-1 draw with Atletico.
Javier Mascherano, Sergi Roberto, Ivan Raktic and Andre Gomes were put forward as potential Busquets replacements by Luis Enrique, who is expecting a complicated game against the club at which he began his career.
"After just managing to stay in the division last season, it's logical and normal that they've strengthened the squad," he said.
"They have made several signings, but their football ideas and characteristics remain the same with [manager] Abelardo.
"In terms or pressure and intensity, they'll go for the game. Especially at El Molinon, with their fans. They're a tough team to play."