Lionel Messi & Angel Di Maria the only Argentina players 'guaranteed' 2024 Copa America spots as Lionel Scaloni sends brutal 'pick and shovel' message to Alejandro Garnacho & Co

Argentina have enjoyed friendly wins over El Salvador and Costa Rica over the international break, as Scaloni continues his preparations for this summer's Copa America. Scaloni has been without Lionel Messi for the two matches, due to injury, and handed out starts to Walter Benitez and Alejandro Garnacho in the 3-1 win over Costa Rica. Speaking after the game, Scaloni warned his players that only two places in his squad for the summer's tournament are confirmed.

He told reporters: "It is a possibility (Benítez as second goalkeeper), in the world of football nothing is known. Today he is here, he surely had his great chance because it is evident that he came with us, but I cannot guarantee any of those who have come here. Only the one who did not come, who already you know [Messi]. The rest, pick and shovel. Well, Fideo (Di María) too... He has it guaranteed."

Argentina will clearly look to Messi for inspiration at the Copa America, while Di Maria will want to finish on a high as he's already admitted he will hang up his international boots after the tournament. Di Maria scored a fine free-kick against Costa Rica to spark Argentina's comeback with Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez were also on target for the world champions. Yet Scaloni's made it pretty clear that his players must keep working hard if they are to secure a place in his squad for the summer's tournament.

Messi is expected to return to action with Inter Miami after injury on April 3 against Monterrey. Meanwhile, Argentina will kick off their Copa America campaign on June 21 against Canada. If Scaloni's men make it all the way to the final they will play the game in Messi's new home, with the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens set to host the showpiece.