'No hitting' Lionel Messi rule in Argentina training revealed as Mariano Troilo opens up on his first experience in Lionel Scaloni's squad

The 21-year-old Belgrano centre-back, called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for the first time for Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Chile, disclosed that there’s an unwritten rule in the camp: no one is allowed to lay a tackle on Messi during training.

Troilo, despite not making an appearance in the recent CONMEBOL qualifiers, cherished his call-up and the rare opportunity to train alongside Argentina’s top-tier talents. Reflecting on his time in the camp, the young defender expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received, especially from Messi himself.

Troilo said: "He welcomed me very well and made me feel part of the group very quickly."

The most eye-catching revelation from Troilo’s interview was the insider detail about how Messi is handled, or rather, not handled, during sessions.

"The only one you can’t hit is you know who," he said. "You don’t hit him, I don’t hit him, [Walter] Samuel doesn’t hit him, not even the kit man. It’s a rule here that no one can change."

Messi is expected to return to international duties later this year as Argentina resume their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Albiceleste will take on Venezuela and Ecuador in their final set of qualifiers in September, having already booked their place at the 2026 tournament.

Messi is currently competing in the Club World Cup and helped Miami take a point in their opening fixture against Al-Ahly. With their next game scheduled against Portuguese giants Porto on Thursday, the focus remains firmly on their captain, who is expected to inspire them to another positive result.