Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, is being cautious with Lionel Messi’s game time leading up to the Copa America, ensuring that no risks are taken with the Inter Miami star’s fitness. Messi, 36, sat out the first half of Argentina’s recent 1-0 victory against Ecuador, as he continues to manage injuries that kept him out of previous matches.
Despite not starting, Messi came on as a substitute in the 56th minute, replacing Di Maria. Scaloni emphasized that the priority is to protect the players and ensure they are in optimal condition for the upcoming Copa America in the United States. “Sometimes there is no need to risk it, not only with Leo. It is about taking care of them so that they arrive in optimal conditions,” Scaloni stated.
Having made his debut for Argentina in 2005, Messi has been a key figure for the national team, scoring 106 goals in 181 international appearances. In his club performances for Miami this season, he has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 15 games. With the Copa America approaching, Messi will be looking to help Argentina defend the title they won in 2021.
Scaloni has included Messi in the provisional squad for the 2024 Copa America, with the tournament set to kick off on June 20 with Argentina facing Canada. The head coach has until June 12 to finalize his squad, trimming it down to the maximum allowed 26 players.
In addition to his commitments with the national team, Messi has not ruled out the possibility of representing Argentina in the World Cup 2026. This demonstrates his ongoing dedication to his country and his desire to continue playing at the highest level on the international stage.
As the anticipation builds for the Copa America, fans can expect Messi to play a crucial role in Argentina’s campaign to defend their title. With Scaloni’s careful management of the star player’s game time, supporters can rest assured that Messi will be fit and ready to showcase his talents on the pitch.