Soccer
Argentina head coach has his say on Lionel Messi’s international future
Despite lifting the Copa América this year, Lionel Scaloni has issued an ultimatum to members of this all-conquering Argentinian squad.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni appeared before the media on Monday, speaking to reporters ahead of his side’s World Cup qualifier against Peru. He took the chance to issue an ultimatum to his squad.
The World Cup-winning coach revealed that there will be changes to the Albiceleste in 2025, with priority given to those playing regularly for their club teams.
He explained: “We need them to play. These six [World Cup qualifying] games were very close to each other after the Copa América. We opted to continue with the group that gave us success and there was not much time to bring in other players. But from now on we need everyone to play and from there decide on the level of each one.“
But Scaloni was quick to make one exception, Lionel Messi.
With Inter Miami eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs, Messi may not play another competitive match until March 2025. Nevertheless, Scaloni has no issue with keeping faith in the 37-year-old.
“In Leo’s case it is quite different. Leo always plays, I would say that sometimes he should rest and it would be better. But we do not think beyond that. It is important that there is continuity."
“Leo’s year is the year of a player who has played a lot of games, who has been available a lot, who had a Copa América in between. It’s very difficult for him to be 100% and not have physical problems, I see that as normal. He suffered an injury that disrupted his plans a bit, but in general he has always been fine with us,” the Argentina head coach insisted.
Can Argentina bounce back from poor run?
Heading into Tuesday’s game, Argentina have been on a run of uncharacteristically poor form. The world and continental champions have won just one of their past four games, a home victory over Bolivia.
In the next international break, coming in March 2025, Argentina face tough tests against Uruguay and Brazil. There is also the prospect of a meeting with European champions Spain in the Finalissima, something that could further complicate the fixture schedule for Argentina’s much-traveled squad.
Scaloni explained: “The Finalissima next year is not easy, because Spain is playing in the World Cup qualifiers. Given the schedule, I don’t see it happening. We’ll see.”
“We go into the game [against Peru] with the feeling that we’ve been together a lot, when before we saw players very little. If you add to that the matches with their clubs, where they haven’t had a break… It’s a topic that is being talked about a lot. Since June we’ve played a lot.”
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