Argentina Coach says Messi knows ´everything´ about football

Argentina coach Edgardo Bauza was surprised by Lionel Messi's knowledge of football, saying the star knew "everything" about the game.

Messi, sidelined with a groin injury, is considered among the game's greats thanks to his stunning displays and achievements with Barcelona.

Bauza, who spoke to Messi before the 29-year-old reversed his international retirement, was stunned by how smart the attacker was.

"What surprised me is how much he knows about football, because he knows everything, about his team-mates, the technical team, about football. He's aware of everything," he told Sport.

"I always thought a player of his standing would have to be a player who knew a lot about football. But he surprised me even more than I thought.

"Leo knows everything about everything. Nothing escapes him. He has a very important understanding and this helps when one has to communicate their idea."

Without Messi, Argentina were held to a 2-2 draw by Peru and sit fifth on CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying ahead of a meeting with Paraguay.