Messi described as 'a little tired' of critics

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Lionel Messi is ''a little tired of'' the criticism he's received since the World Cup, according to a football official in Argentina.

Julio Ricardo Grondona, the president of the Arsenal club, described Messi's mood in an interview on Radio Guemes on Thursday.

Messi did not play in Argentina's 4-2 victory over Germany last week, a repeat of the matchup from the World Cup final won 1-0 by Germany.

''It's true Leo is a little tired of the critics and the things they say,'' said Grondona, a son of the late Julio Grondona, who headed the Argentina Football Association for more than three decades.

Contradicting rumors Messi might step away from Argentina, Grondona said Messi intended to play important matches but will limit his international appearances at the request of Barcelona.

''It's a question of time before he returns,'' Grondona said. ''Leo has to be well rested to have it for future competitions.''

He said Messi would play in next year's Copa America in Chile.