Scaloni urged not to rush Messi's retirement

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has said it is too early to plan for life without Lionel Messi and that the captain could return to the squad for the world qualifiers with Peru. Messi, who had said he would retire before the 2026 World Cup, was selected in Argentina's squad despite a muscle injury that kept him out of Inter Miami's recent games.

The 36-year-old came on in the 53rd minute of Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay on Thursday and came close to scoring, but his shot hit the post after being fouled in stoppage time. "Leo is fine. He is training more. We will make a decision. It depends on how much he can play. If he can, he will play. We always let those who are 100 percent or close to play. Today it is very difficult for everyone to be at optimal form and there may be changes compared to the match against Paraguay.

We saw that the team can play well without Messi," Scaloni said at his press conference ahead of tonight's match with Peru. Asked if the team should get used to playing without their talisman, Scaloni replied: "Let's remember, that he is still here. Why do we have to think about what will happen if he leaves? The truth is that he is still active. Let's leave him alone and not retire him," urged the coach. Argentina top the provisional group standings with nine points from three games, two points ahead of Brazil.