Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has said that Lionel Messi automatically earns his spot at the national team.
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Messi automatically earns his spot at Argentina
Scaloni stated that players must regularly feature for their clubs to be considered for the national team ahead of Argentina’s Conmebol World Cup qualifier against Peru.
However, the Argentina boss claimed that Messi’s case is “different.”
“We need them to play,” Scaloni said of players in his squad. “These six games [in qualification] were very close to each other after the Copa América. We opted to continue with the base that gave us the joy of the cup and there was not much time to bring in other players, but from now on we need everyone to play and from there we can decide on the football level of each one. As we have always done except on this occasion.”
“In Leo’s case, it’s a quite different case. He always plays, even when he has to rest, but we don’t think beyond that. It’s important that they have continuity.”
Messi last played for Inter Miami on November 9, who were eliminated from the Major League Soccer playoffs in the first round after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United FC in Game 3.
The star forward appeared in 22 games this season, despite multiple injuries that sidelined the captain at various times.
Despite his limited appearances, Messi recorded 21 goals and 11 assists to earn an 2024 MLS MVP nomination and tie for third in the Golden Boot race.
“He has always been with us”
Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2024 Copa America title run.
So far, Messi has recorded six goals and two assists in the current World Cup qualifying cycle.
“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,” Scaloni said.
“It’s difficult for him to be 100% and not have had problems, I see that as normal. He suffered an injury, but in general he has always been well with us
