Messi set to extend absence from Argentina's National Team

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Settembre 25, 2018 Di Oscar Rojas

Temi: Argentina, FIFA, Friendly, Irak, Brazil, Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni

'La Pulga' was absent from La Albiceleste's friendly games earlier this month, and coach Lionel Scaloni doesn't plan on calling the player up for next month's games.

Argentine fans that wanted to see Lionel Messi wearing La Albiceleste's jersey one more time will have to wait for that to happen, as interim coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the footballer will not be around to face Irak and Brazil in next month's friendlies.

Speaking in an interview with Fox Sports Argentina, Scaloni revealed details of a conversation he had with the Argentine ace, where both of them agreed that it was not the right time for him to return to the National Team.

"No, he's not coming. It's obvious that I speak with him (Messi), everyone knows we have a good relationship. We had a conversation and we're still on the same page: for now, it's better for him not to be around," Scaloni stated.

"We are in a different stage now, these guys we have now have to keep using the National Team's jersey and show what they've got. That's the main thing right now," Scaloni added.

The interim boss admitted that the chances of watching Messi defending his national team's colors have improved, but it will be up to the new coach to decide if he needs "La Pulga" around.

"When the new coach is appointed, he will have to make up his mind and determine if these kids have what it takes to wear the National Team's jersey, or if he prefers to call up all those players that gave us some fine moments," Scaloni concluded.

Argentina is set to play against Irak and Brazil during an Asian tour. First, La Albiceleste will clash against Irak on October 11. Five days later, the South Americans will take on Brazil.