Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has explained the absence of Lionel Messi in the team that will play against Iraq and Brazil this month. “I spoke with Leo 10 days ago, approximately,” the manager said. “After the chat we had, the final decision was that he should not come.”
Messi remains absent from Argentina teams after their last competitive match, although rumors continue to suggest the Barcelona star will join the team for next year’s Copa América tournament.
“We are looking for the people to identify with the team,” Scaloni said.
He was also given a chance to respond to the comments of another former Argentina manager, Diego Maradona, who said Scaloni “can’t even direct traffic.