Lionel Messi’s international future remains up in the air with the 2019 Copa America fast approaching. The superstar is taking a sabbatical from the Argentina side after their World Cup disappointment, which saw them knocked out in the second round with only one win in four in Russia last summer.
Argentina were drawn in Group B for the Copa America on Thursday, where they’ll be joined by Colombia, Paraguay and invited side Qatar.
Manager Lionel Scaloni must announce his squad for the competition in March – and he revealed he has a “good feeling” about Messi’s international future as they target a first major trophy since 1993.
“We will speak with Leo in the days before the March list,” Scaloni said. “When the time is right we will speak.
“I hope he can be here but more than that, we want him to be happy. I have a good feeling.”
There were rumours of a fall-out with Messi and Scaloni’s predecessor Jorge Sampaoli with talk of a squad revolt in the World Cup.
Scaloni was assistant manager under the previous regime, but he’ll be hoping Messi can put their Russia disappointment behind him to return to international football.