According to reports by Buenos Aires media their captain and star striker Lionel Messi is set to miss the next four friendly matches. The five-team Ballon d’Or winner had a tough outing at recently concluded FIFA World cup where his side lost in the pre-quarter final to France 4-3.
Argentina will be up against Guatemala in Los Angeles on September 7 and Colombia in New York on 11 September. The two times world champions will play two unnamed teams later in the year.
News website Infobae said: “He will take a rest period, but that doesn’t mean he’s quitting.”
Argentinian daily Clarin claimed that Messi will not return to national folds this year and there are doubts over his future.
Barcelona’s star striker has told Argentina interim coach Lionel Scaloni that he won’t be available for the upcoming friendlies in the United States. He also didn’t confirm when he will play again for the national team or if he plans to come back for the 2019 Copa America
Lionel Scaloni has been in temporary charge of Argentina since Jorge Sampaoli left after a world cup debacle in Russia.
Messi’s former Argentinian teammate Carlos Tevez said..
“I think we should all leave him to make his own mind and make the decision that will make him happy. The best decision both for him and his family.
“Surely if he feels happy and decides to re-join the national team is because he has the support of his family and he wants to do it. If this isn’t the case, then it would be useless for him to stay and do something he has no motivation for.”
