Lionel Messi, the greatest player in the world, missed out on Argentina’s important World Cup Qualifiers recently as he had tested positive for Covid-19 post his New Year break.
He has not been included in the Argentina squad for the Chile and Colombia matches coming up in the upcoming weeks.
Argentina have their spot already assured for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, however, Messi could use some on pitch time with the team in order to be at their best level come the World Cup itself.
“Clearly we would love to have Messi here with us,” Scaloni explained
“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.”
Messi however did appear on his Instagram live and greeted everyone during the festive season.
Scaloni himself won’t be coaching Argentina for the Chile match as he himself has tested positive and will be isolated at least until the next match.
“The question of the armband is logical enough,” Scaloni added. “Angel has been in the national team for many years and he is a guy who transmits a lot to his team-mates, he is loved and that’s all there is to it.