Temas: Argentina, Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni
Just as anticipated, the Albiceleste skipper was not named among the squad ahead of their upcoming international friendlies.

The current head coach of the Argentina national team Lionel Scaloni has indicated that he does not know whether Lionel Messi will play for the national team again. Following a disappointing spell with his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, Lionel Messi asked for a "temporary" rest from international duties while his return remains indefinite.

The Barcelona superstar was, as a result, omitted from the Argentina squad that will take on Colombia and Guatemala in the United States of America in the upcoming international friendlies.

"I spoke to him and after that talk, he has not been called up for these games," Scaloni was quoted to have said by UK tabloid Guardian.

"Honestly, we have not spoken about what will happen in the future.

"We all know what he represents for us and we shall see what happens. I have a good relationship with him, it was a good chat that we had and we were very clear. He will not be in this call-up and in the future, we shall see."

Aside Lionel Messi, a few more notable names including Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuain, and Angel Di María were all absent from the list although Mauro Icardi finally makes a return to the side after being overlooked by Jorge Sampoali for the World Cup.

"No player told me he did not want to come to the Argentina national team," Scaloni added.

"All the decisions we have taken are for the good of the national team and to try to see what we can bring to the future. We have very clear in our minds that we need to add people to this new adventure.

"I spoke to the majority of the players and they all gave me their availability. We feel that we need these players right now. I feel it's the time for renovation.

"I'm convinced that the time to call up these players is now."

In the scope of this, the likes of Giovanni Simeone and Lautaro Martinez could all make their debut for Argentine having been named in the squad list after impressing for their respective clubs.