Argentine FA apologises to Barcelona for Messi criticism

A day after La Albiceleste boss Eduardo Bauza criticised Barcelona for its handling of Lionel Messi on the heels of an adductor injury that will see him miss three weeks, the Argentine FA apologised to the Catalan giant.

"Barcelona always sends us messages saying that we must take care of Messi, but they don't take care of him very well," Bauza told FOX Sports. "It is strange that they make him play in all their matches."

Related: Messi ruled out for 3 weeks with groin strain

The Argentine FA has since reached out to the club in remorse for Bauza's comments, according to a statement on Barcelona's website Friday.

"The AFA has contacted Barca to express its apology for the comments made by the manager in relation to the injury of Leo Messi," club spokesman Josep Vives said.

Related: How Barcelona will cope without injured Messi

The statement conceded that Bauza had no "bad intentions" and called his comments "unfortunate." Vives added that the club and FA will "work so that Leo Messi recuperates as quickly as possible because, as Luis Enrique said, 'Messi is a global ambassador for football.'"

Messi is certain to miss La Liga tilts with Sporting Gijon and Celta Vigo, which sandwich a midweek Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach. It's hoped the diminutive attacker will be fit for an Oct. 15 date with Deportivo La Coruna.

Even if Messi recovers within the three-week window, he is likely to miss Argentina's key World Cup qualifiers with Peru on Oct. 6 and against Paraguay five days later, prompting Bauza's concern.