Messi’s future is a mystery
ARGENTINA’S interim coach, Lionel Scaloni, said he is unsure if or when Barcelona’s Lionel Messi will return to the national team.
Messi was left out of Argentina’s squad for friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia next month, having reportedly asked for a break from international football.
“I know you are all waiting for me to talk about him,” Scaloni said at a press conference.
“We had a chat, after which we decided he would not be there. It would be unwise of me to tell Leo to stay at home and not come.
“There is no coach in the world who would benefit from Leo being unavailable. We did not talk about his future. He will not take part in these (upcoming) friendlies,” he added, according to Xinhua reports.
Argentina face Guatemala in Los Angeles on September 7, and Colombia in New Jersey four days later.
The matches will be Albiceleste’s first since their erratic World Cup campaign, which included a 3-0 loss to Croatia and ended with a 4-3 defeat to France, in the last 16.
Former Deportivo La Coruna wing-back Scaloni, who was named coach earlier this month after the sacking of Jorge Sampaoli, denied reports that other players requested leave from the national team.
“I spoke to several players and all of them said they were available,” Scaloni said.
“All the decisions made were for the good of the national team and to see what we can contribute in the future. We understand that right now we need footballers who have enormous potential.
“Recently there was talk over whether some players could wear the shirt. Now is the time for them to prove themselves,” he concluded. – IANS