“We understand how difficult it is for him” - Lionel Scaloni opens up on birthday plans for Messi inside Argentina camp at Copa America 2024

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken about Lionel Messi turning 37 while in camp with the national team for Copa America. The legendary forward turned 37 on Monday (June 24) and had to spend his birthday away from his family. The icon is expected to play a key role in his nation's bid to retain the title as he remains a top-quality player despite his age.

Speaking to the press recently, the World Cup-winning manager said it was difficult for Messi to stay away from his family on his birthday. Scaloni added that the Argentine squad will try to make it a memorable day for the legend, saying (via All About Argentina's X handle):

"We understand how difficult it is for him to have his birthday away from home. We are trying to make him enjoy as much as possible with his teammates."

Scaloni continued:

"We are used to it and he knows that he has the whole country with him. Tonight we will blow out the candles and eat cake I think."

Lionel Messi will hope he can get a belated birthday present on Tuesday (June 25) when he and Argentina face Chile in their next Copa America fixture. The now 37-year-old forward is likely competing in his final edition of the tournament and will hope he can win it.

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Canada boss hails Lionel Messi following Copa America opener

Canada national team boss Jesse Marsch was full of praise for Argentina legend Lionel Messi following his performance against the former's side during their Copa America opening match. The legendary forward bagged an assist and was phenomenal in the game, helping his side secure a 2-0 victory last Thursday (June 20).

Speaking to the press after the game, Marsch said he prepared for La Pulga but could not stop him from influencing the proceedings, saying (via FotMob):

"Yeah, with Messi, we talked a lot about our compactness and then identifying the spaces that he likes to show up in, we talked about not diving in because it's hard to win tackles from him. What happens is if you eliminate yourself or if you start diving in for tackles, he's really good slipping and moving and getting back again and making little final plays."

The Canada boss added:

"This is what I say about Messi: I have coached against him several times and I feel like we have had a good match plan and we have executed a lot of good things. But he is so good, he is that good that he still makes plays. The two balls he makes on the two goals I think are world class. Amazing, it's awful. It's amazing."

Argentina next face Chile on Tuesday (June 25) and will be keen to secure their place in the knockout stages with another victory. Canada will be keen to bounce back from their loss and secure a win against Peru on Tuesday to avoid tumbling out of Copa America early.