Since making his senior debut in 2005, Messi has scored 112 goals in 192 appearances for Argentina, winning the World Cup in 2022, two Copa America titles and a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Wednesday he had yet to decide whether captain Lionel Messi would start in their next World Cup qualifier against Chile, as he continues to closely monitor the 37-year-old's fitness.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said their 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Friday's World Cup qualifier in Montevideo showed the depth of their squad after Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybia all missed out due to injury.
Lionel Scaloni has been witness to many of Lionel Messi's magical moments over the course of his career but the Argentina manager said on Tuesday that even at the age of 37 his captain continues to amaze him.
Coach Lionel Scaloni will present a team without captain Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria after a long time. The two significant absences force the World Cup winning coach to think about a renewed composition of the national team.
"I don't know if it marks an era, but it's true this team never ceases to surprise, they overcame the difficulties of a very difficult match, with a very complicated opponent and without a good first half," Scaloni said.
"I hope the fans have a party, I want it with all my heart. Apart from the joy of winning the title, I think it would be a joy for everyone if it ends well," Scaloni told a press conference on Saturday.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has heaped praise on Barcelona and Spain coaches for taking good care of young talent Lamine Yamal, who is setting the European Championship on fire.
Lionel Messi said he was enjoying his "last battles" with Argentina after the 37-year-old found the net in a 2-0 win over Canada on Tuesday to book a place in the Copa America final.
The bond the players shared with the fans was also appreciated on the touchline. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni always made mention of the supporters' contributions throughout his Qatar 2022 journey.
A year ago, on this day, Lionel Messi’s Argentina triumphed over France in a final for the ages to lift their third FIFA World Cup.
Argentina face Uruguay on Friday, 6am Bangladesh Time before playing Brazil next Wednesday (6.30am Bangladesh Time).
The 26-year-old Maffeo, born to an Argentine mother, is joined by Olympiakos left-back Francisco Ortega as newcomers for the World Cup champions' home game against Uruguay on Thursday and their trip to Brazil five days later.
Messi, who has said he will retire before the 2026 World Cup, was included in the squad despite carrying a muscle problem which has kept him out of action for club side Inter Miami.
Argentina host Paraguay at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Friday at 5am, Bangladesh Time.
After a dazzling start to his career in Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi returns to international duty with Argentina this week as South America's long qualifying road to the 2026 World Cup kicks off today.
Messi, the Argentina captain, last week announced he would join the MLS side after reaching the end of his two-year deal with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Napoli forward Giovanni Simeone, the son of Atletico coach Diego Simeone, and Manchester United starboy Alejandro Garnacho are among the members of the Argentina squad for La Albiceleste's Asia tour.
French media on Tuesday reported that a move to a Saudi club was a "done deal", adding that the Argentina captain was in the process of finalising details before signing a contract
