Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli says star players are being "abused" by their heavy schedule.

Sampaoli says players like Barcelona star Messi are being abused by being asked to play so much football in such a short space of time.

The Sevilla boss explained: "I think players are being abused, players like Messi or those who travel to South America and are then playing within two days - it's unfair for the best players.

"It's a topic we need to look at, so we can protect them."