Martino: I didn’t just do what Messi said, that’s a myth

Former Barcelona and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has explained that he was never Lionel Messi‘s puppet at the Albiceleste.

Although his spell in Spain lasted for just a season in 2013/14, Martino subsequently took the reins of his national team until 2016.

“I never did what Messi said, that was a created myth, said by many people,” he told the media, referring to suggestions that Martino hung on the No.10’s word.

“I don’t deny it, the facts do.”

The 55-year-old went on to talk about the best moment in his career.

“My happiest moment was when I coached the Paraguay national team,” he added.

“They were five years in which I managed to be happy.

“We still have a group called South Africa 2010, as they meet once a month and send me photos.”

It was also announced on Tuesday that the coach is to leave Atlanta United at the end of the season.