King Kai inspires Arsenal in derby to spare Raya's blushes

Brilliant De Bruyne & ruthless Haaland lift Man City at Forest

When will Onana learn?! Man Utd 'keeper goes from hero to zero

bet365 bonus code 365GOAL: Get Free Bet Credits in April 2024

Arsenal's WSL title hopes in tatters as Everton grab late draw

Walker's wife sends strong 'stay away' message to mistress

Conte is back! Ex-Chelsea boss set to return to management 

Heartbreak for Hayes! Dreadful decisions ruin fairy-tale ending

Salah backed to leave Anfield after touchline spat with Klopp

Ten Hag hits back at Man Utd fans after being booed

35-goal Kane not giving up on breaking Lewandowski record

Kicked out by Pep & mistakes at Barca - what next for Cancelo?

'Awkward & embarrassed' - Mullin struggling to deal with fame

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Won the World Cup together at Qatar 2022</li><li>Albiceleste boss committed to new contract</li><li>Superstar captain now playing in the States</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Explained: Why Lionel Messi will not meet with Lionel Scaloni before leaving Argentina for Inter Miami & ‘Last Dance’ friendly date with Cristiano Ronaldo

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF

New York Red Bulls

The 2022 World Cup winner was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-lionel-messi-planned-return-argentina-christmas-break-inter-miami-wedding-lionel-scaloni-meeting/blt82941b9c0e494962" target="_blank">reported to be lining up a face-to-face discussion with his international manager</a> after returning to his homeland for the Christmas and New Year period. There has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/agrentina-boss-lionel-scaloni-provides-update-on-his-future-lionel-messi-chiqui-tapia/blt447edf417aa57ad6" target="_blank">talk of tension between the pair</a>, despite the success that they have achieved together.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to <a href="https://www.tycsports.com/seleccion-argentina/lionel-scaloni-no-se-reunira-con-lionel-messi-en-rosario-id556185.html " target="_blank">TyC Sports</a>, no talks will take place. That is, however, not due to any personal differences. It is reported that the duo speak regularly over the phone and see no need to meet in person before Messi heads back to the United States – with a ‘Last Dance’ friendly date with eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr fast approaching on February 1.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The atmosphere in the Argentina camp is said to be “calm” heading towards the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/2024-copa-america-power-rankings/blt2832f40029cd1a71" target="_blank">defence of a Copa America crown in 2024</a>. That competition will be taking place in America, with Messi potentially turning out at DRV PNK Stadium in Florida – where he now plays his club football.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi has hinted at prolonging his international career – which already includes 180 caps and 106 goals – <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/lionel-messi-update-2026-world-cup-plans-argentina-inter-miami-united-states-mexico-canada/bltf7e8c8bcdba5ba36 " target="_blank">through to the 2026 World Cup</a>. Scaloni has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/lionel-scaloni-signs-new-contract-argentina-manager-rewarded-world-cup-triumph/blt2dc96e4c7c08c11c" target="_blank">extended his own contract to the end of that tournament</a>, making it imperative that he enjoys a positive working relationship with his talismanic captain.

WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Explained: Why Lionel Messi will not meet with Lionel Scaloni before leaving Argentina for Inter Miami & ‘Last Dance’ friendly date with Cristiano Ronaldo | Goal.com UK

Lionel Messi will not be meeting with Lionel Scaloni before leaving Argentina and returning to Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign.

Explained: Why Lionel Messi will not meet with Lionel Scaloni before leaving Argentina for Inter Miami &amp; ‘Last Dance’ friendly date with Cristiano Ronaldo

Editors' Picks