It is usually required that individuals play regularly for their clubs to be considered for a place in the national team, but coach Lionel Scaloni insists that captain Lionel Messi’s case is “different”.

Coach Lionel Scaloni once again emphasized the “privilege” of captain Lionel Messi.

The comments came on Monday, a day before Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Peru, and four days after a 2-1 defeat in Paraguay – Scaloni’s side’s third defeat in the group. “At this point, we have to adapt. The six World Cup qualifiers are very close together after the Copa America. We have to choose to continue with the basic squad that has brought us the joy of the cups, because there is not much time to bring other players in,” Scaloni said. “But from the new year, everything will be the same, everyone needs to play regularly at their clubs and from there we can decide the level of football of each player. The only difference is with Leo. As long as Leo is not injured, he will play for the national team.”

Messi enters the November international break on the back of a disappointing failure to help Inter Miami CF progress further in the MLS Cup playoffs. It has also been a difficult year for the 37-year-old, who has been plagued by injuries and has only played 22 games for the club in 2024. However, when fit, the record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been brilliant – he has scored 21 goals and provided 11 assists this season.

After Messi received much criticism for his disappointing performance in the 1-2 loss in Paraguay.

“Leo’s year was the year of a player who played a lot of games, had a lot of opportunities, had a Copa America in between,” Scaloni added. “It’s difficult for him to be 100% fit and not have any problems, I think that’s normal. But he’s always been fit when he comes back to us.”

Messi played a key role in the 2024 Copa America win, also scoring six goals and providing two assists in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Argentina host Peru on Tuesday in their 12th match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which is also the final international of the year. The 2025 MLS season doesn’t start until late February, so Messi is looking forward to a long break that will help him recharge, and especially get back in shape.