Lionel Messi's World Cup-winning team-mate Nicolas Tagliafico confirms he was dropped by Lyon for attending Argentina's Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with New Zealand

• Tagliafico missed Clermont Foot clash
• Was dropped for disciplinary reasons
• Attended Rugby World Cup without club's permission

WHAT HAPPENED? It was initially suggested that Tagliafico missed the game due to the short turnaround following his exploits for Argentina during the latest international break. However, French publication L'Equipe then reported that Lyon boss Fabio Grosso had left Tagliafico out because he attended Argentina's Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand on Friday, which the Argentine has now confirmed.

WHAT THEY SAID: Tagliafico has written on Instagram: "We spoke about it with the manager and he decided not to play me. Of course, I accepted that. He also told me that he didn’t like me going to watch the rugby match on the Friday afternoon that we had off. I respect him and the most important thing is to stay united and strong. Lots of people know my commitment to the teams that I play in. I’ll continue to give everything every day, as always."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Lyon lost 2-1 against Clermont Foot without Tagliafico, who played alongside Lionel Messi during Argentina's run to glory at the 2022 World Cup. Grosso has yet to pick up a victory since joining Les Gones as head coach in mid-September. As a result of the loss to their rivals from Rhone-Auvergne, Lyon now sit in the bottom spot in Ligue 1.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Lyon will next be in action when they take on Marseille on Sunday, with Tagliafico likely to return to the squad.