Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni reveals Lionel Messi talks amid exit rumours as World Cup-winning manager insists doubts over role are 'football related' following Copa America draw

Following the 2024 Copa America draw, where Argentina were paired with their tournament kryptonite Chile, Scaloni spoke with beIN Sports about what the future for both him and his squad could entail. The Albiceleste boss revealed that he's spoken with Messi about the situation, and plans to chat with him again in the next week about the situation.

Scaloni said: "I spoke with Leo [Messi], we are going to talk again in a few days and from there we are going to make a decision, the best decision for the Argentina national team which is the most important thing. There's nothing wrong with the AFA leadership, I speak with Chiqui tapia and we have a friendly relationship. My doubts are not in that area, but from something football-related, thinking about what's coming and feeling good and about being ready for it. The bar is high and we need a lot of energy and for everyone to understand what's coming. It is a personal decision and that of the coaching staff."

The Argentina boss - who led La Albiceleste to a World Cup triumph in 2022 - has been toying with the idea of leaving his post over the last month, leaving cryptic messages in response to media questions. Thursday, he confirmed the concept of his departure is not around anything off the pitch or with the federation, but rather, on it. However, it's expected that he will still lead the charge at the 2024 Copa America.

Scaloni's squad will open up the Copa America next June, with a match on June 20 in Atlanta against the winner of the Concacaf playoff between Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. Until then, La Albiceleste will go about planning for the tournament while Messi and Inter Miami prepare for their 2024 campaign.