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LaLiga defender Lionel Messi named as his TOUGEST opponent is set to be handed first Argentina call-up by Lionel Scaloni after switching international allegiances from Spain

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is set to call up a player once described by Lionel Messi as the 'toughest' rival he ever faced, Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo.

The Spanish-born right back was born in Barcelona, but is of Italian and Argentine descent, and yet to make a senior team appearance for Spain.

The 26-year-old last featured internationally for Spain's under-21 where he made five appearances between 2017 and 2018, but the call-up signals a switch of allegiances for the player following a strong run of LaLiga performances for the Balearic club.