Lionel Messi has barely played any football since December last year having tested positive for Covid-19 during Christmas.
Lionel Scaloni explained Lionel Messi’s absence from the Argentina squad ahead of their World Cup Qualifier CONMEBOL.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was not included in the roster for upcoming fixtures against Chile and Colombia. Argentina has already reserved their place at World Cup in Qatar 2022.
Nevertheless, Messi has played minimum football since December having contracted with Covid-19 during Christmas.
Scaloni told the reporters on Wednesday while explaining the 34-year-old’s absence. The boss said: “Clearly we would love to have Messi here with us.”
“I spoke to him and he told me that Covid hit him hard. It is key for him to get well, and that is why I decided that the best option was for him to stay at his club.”
Regardless, Messi was seen at the conference as he greeted everyone on the Instagram live broadcast.
Who will captain Argentina?
If you didn’t know already, along with Messi, head coach Scaloni will also have to restrain himself from travelling due to his own positive test.
However, he has already made a decision on the skipper in the absence of Messi.
Scaloni said: “The question of the armband is logical enough. Angel has been in the national team for many years and he is a guy who transmits a lot to his teammates, he is loved and that’s all there is to it.”
“In that, we are in no doubt at all.”
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