Revealed: The clever role change loophole that allowed Lionel Messi to sit on the bench for Argentina despite not being a substitute

The decision not to involve the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in a game that was played at seriously high altitude was taken early on, with the all-time great picking up a slight knock in a match-winning performance against Ecuador that opened Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Messi was left out entirely in La Paz, as he took in a well-earned break on the back of his club exploits at Inter Miami, but still made his way to the bench instead of being forced to sit in the stands. According to TNT Sports, that is because Argentina got their talismanic captain to fill in a form that registered him as an assistant coach.

Messi was therefore able to sit alongside head coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of his international colleagues. His services were not required, as the 2022 World Cup winners ran out 3-0 winners on the day, but his presence was most welcome. Nicolas Tagliafico said of seeing Messi stick around: “That's a bit of leadership too. He knew he wasn't going to play, he wanted to be there, he wanted to accompany us and that shows what he is.”

With international duty over, Messi is now heading back to the United States where he will rejoin the ranks at Inter Miami. They are due to face Atlanta United on Saturday, with their superstar summer signing having already inspired them to Leagues Cup glory and a place in the U.S. Open Cup final.