Lionel Messi will not feature for Argentina in next month’s friendlies against Iraq and Brazil, it has been confirmed.
The Barcelona star is undergoing a break from international football although it has not yet been clarified if this is permanent or temporary.
Messi was not involved with the national side in their friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia earlier this month.
“I have spoken with him but at the moment the best situation is that he is not involved,” Scaloni told Fox Sports, as cited by Diario AS.
“We are in a different phase now and this is an opportunity for others to show what they can do for the national team.”
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia has said of Messi: “We have to be thankful. He has done a lot for the national team and we have repaid him in the worst possible way.”
