Lionel Scaloni provides response when asked if Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami's early exit from MLS playoffs will affect Argentina

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has claimed that Lionel Messi’s early exit from the MLS Playoffs with Inter Miami will not affect the national team. Messi is currently with La Albiceleste for the November international break fixtures.

The Argentine legend recently suffered a first round elimination from the MLS Cup playoffs with Inter Miami. After winning 2-1 in the first of three games, the Herons lost 2-1 and 3-2 in game two and three, respectively.

Lionel Messi scored the Herons' second goal in game three, but couldn’t help them escape a shocking elimination. Inter Miami were huge favorites heading into the playoffs. They won the Supporters’ Shield and set a record for most points in a regular MLS season (74).

Having emerged as the best team during the regular season, Messi and Co. were tipped to go all the way in the playoffs. However, that would not be case and the Argentine legend failed to get his hands on a record-extending 47th career trophy.

Messi is now back with Argentine and Scaloni is adamant that his disappointing MLS playoff run will not affect the national team. He said (via Vermouth Deportivo):

"I don't know when the MLS would have ended if they reached the final stages but we are talking about two weeks that do not mean so much. It doesn't affect the National Team because we play now and we don't play until March. For a matter of rest, absolutely nothing changes for me"

Lionel Messi was instrumental for Inter Miami in their recently concluded campaign. He contributed 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 games across competitions. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has also been integral for Argentina in their ongoing World Cup qualifying games. He scored a hat-trick in the side's 6-0 trashing of Bolivia during October’s internationals.

La Albiceleste will play Paraguay away on November 15, before taking on Peru at home five days later.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami teammate criticizes MLS playoff format

Lionel Messi's club teammate Jordi Alba believes that the MLS should change its playoff format. Inter Miami’s playoff run came to an end after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday, November 9.

Speaking after his side’s elimination, the former Barcelona left-back suggested a face-off between the champions of the eastern and western conferences for the title. Alba said (via ESPN):

"It was a good season, but what we wanted was to win this more. This format seems a little unfair to me."

"It is clear that it has been done this way for many years, but if you ask me, if it were up to me, it would have to be the champion of one conference against the champion of the other, to make it as fair as possible, that's how it is," Alba continued.

"I repeat, congratulations to the rival team. I think they competed very well against us, they knew their weapons, the goalkeeper was spectacular and good, I think that is what clearly marked the difference," he added.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba payed a huge part in the Herons' regular season success and playoff qualification. The pair have shared the pitch 30 times together for the Florida-based club, recording seven joint goal participations.