Messi to miss Argentina friendlies in U.S. in September

Messi to miss Argentina friendlies in U.S. in September Internationals News

  • Argentina to play two friendlies in USA against  Guatemala and Colombia
  • Messi has ruled himself out from national service till end of this year.

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina team, has ruled himself out of two Argentina friendlies in the United States in September’18, – Royter breaks the news through a source in Argentine Footbal Association.

As per speculation of Argentine media, the Barcelona forward would miss rest of Argentina friendlies in this year, including those against Guatemala on 7th September at Los Angeles, and one against Colombia at New Jersey on 11th September.

“We don’t know what will happen after but for now (Messi) has told the coaching staff that he will not be part of the next squad,” confirmed a source. Reports said Messi was still disappointed over Argentina’s poor showing in the World Cup, where they were eliminated at the last 16 stage by eventual winners France.

Interim coach Lionel Scaloni is due to announce his squad for the games by next Monday.

It is not the first time Messi has decided to take time out from international duty. He retired after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final, their third defeat in a major final on three years, but he changed his mind two months later. Argentine officials hope the 31-year-old will do the same after a short break and are keen to encourage the five-times World Player of the Year to return. “The doors of the national team are open to him,” the source told Reuters.

Argentina will play four more friendlies in October and November. “Messi will not return this year and there are doubts about his future,” proclaimed Argentinian daily Clarin. As per News website Infobae: “He will take a rest period, but that doesn’t mean he’s quitting.”

“It’s very personal, Leo must take his time to think about it,” said Carlos Tevez, who is currently in Barcelona for Boca Juniors’ friendly on Wednesday at the Camp Nou. “It’s understandable. .. even if he doesn’t come back. When the international side play, rightly or wrongly, we criticise him. It’s bad for the team and for him … I understand because I’ve been in that situation.”

The twice World Cup winners have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 1993. Messi’s next chance to win his first major international title will be the 2019 Copa America in Brazil.