Why Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is seeing limited game time for Argentina as World Cup winners seek to remove element of ‘risk’ ahead of Copa America title defence

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has had to contend with the odd fitness setback at club level this season, forcing him to sit out MLS fixtures. Messi missed international action with Argentina in March, with six months passing since his last appearance for the Albiceleste.

He was back on the field in a friendly date with Ecuador in Chicago on Sunday, as Angel Di Maria netted the only game of that game, but only stepped off the bench in the 56th minute. Argentina are happy to keep their talismanic captain out of the limelight as much as possible, with there no need to gamble on him.

Scaloni told reporters after giving Messi just over half-an-hour in a narrow win at Soldier Field: “With Leo, there is no need to risk him. Not just with him, but others like [Nicolas] Otamendi didn't play. Angel only played some minutes, Julian [Alvarez] and Lautaro [Martinez] the same. We want to take care of these players, and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions to the tournament.”

Argentina have another friendly date with Guatemala to take in on Friday, as they head to Washington DC, before opening their defence of a prestigious Copa America crown against Canada on June 20 – with the plan being to have Messi fully fit and firing by then.