Gerardo Martino has spoken to the press ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Croatia on Wednesday night and as expected the main topics of conversation were Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. While Alejandro Sabella may not have fancied Tevez much, Martino has wasted little time in recalling the Juventus striker. However, Tata has maintained the focus on captain Messi and although he will play on the right, his role as leader will remain.

Martino said on the subject of Messi’s role: “We have decided that Messi will play on the right.“ 

Quizzed on whether the Barcelona star would remain as the leader as he is at club level, Martino responded defiantly: “Each person can have their own interpretation of him (Messi) as a player but it is unthinkable that Lionel is not the leader of the side, both with Argentina and Barcelona.”

On the subject of Tevez, Martino reaffirmed his vision that El Apache will fight with Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín as the central striker. Although he admitted the three have “different characteristics” and “it will be difficult to play all those that play as the number 9.”

Finally when asked about the possible issues between Messi and Tevez, Martino said: “I was not oblivious to the issues. I had my own ideas and made my own conclusions, which were different to some of these comments.”

Any potential conflicts certainly do not appear to be realised with Tevez more than happy to be back and certainly towing the line. Martino confirmed that the atmosphere in the group was positive and we now wait to see just how Martino has the side line up on Wednesday.