"He always plays, even when he has to rest" - Scaloni on Lionel Messi's involvement for Argentina ahead of Peru clash

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has spoken about Lionel Messi's involvement in the national team ahead of facing Peru in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on November 19. La Albiceleste sit atop of the CONMEBOL nations so far, with 22 points off 11 games.

Scaloni's comments came after Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay on November 14. The defeat marked their third loss in the World Cup qualifiers, following the ones against Uruguay (2-0) and Colombia (2-1).

In an interview via Mundo Deportivo, Scaloni spoke about his players having to be consistent in their respective clubs to get playtime in the national team. He said:

"We opted to continue with the base that gave us the joy of the cup and there was not much time to bring in other players, but from now on we need everyone to play and from there we can decide on the football level of each one. As we have always done except on this occasion."

However, Scaloni mentioned that there is an exception when it comes to Lionel Messi, explaining:

“In Leo's case, it's a quite different case. He always plays, even when he has to rest, but we don't think beyond that. It's important that they have continuity.”

Argentina will play their last World Cup qualifier game this year against Peru on November 19. It will also be Lionel Messi's last game in 2024 as the Major League Soccer (MLS) season also ended for Inter Miami after they bowed out of the MLS Cup playoffs. It came after the Herons' 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on November 9.

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Lionel Messi shares message on social media ahead of last 2024 game with Argentina

Lionel Messi - Source: Getty

Ahead of facing Peru with Argentina, Lionel Messi took to Instagram to share a message for his followers. He wrote (translated from Spanish via Google):

"Looking forward to being back together with everyone tomorrow for the last game of another unforgettable year."

Messi enjoyed an eventful 2024, winning the 2024 Copa America with Argentina and the 2024 Supporters' Shield with Inter Miami. In 25 appearances for the Herons in this MLS season, the Argentine legend contributed 23 goals and 13 assists.

However, Messi also remained out of action for two months this year owing to an ankle injury he suffered during the Copa America final against Colombia in July. La Albiceleste eventually won 1-0 in extra-time, courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez strike. Messi returned to the pitch in September.

On the individual level, Messi notably won the MARCA America Award on October 17 at the Chase Stadium, Miami. The award hailed him as the greatest of all time in football.