Angel Di Maria explains why Lionel Messi's absence from Argentina's March squad is a positive as stand-in captain calls for 'calm' ahead of Copa America defence

The World Cup-winning Argentina skipper had to pull out of the national team for the international friendlies in March as he suffered an injury during Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Nashville earlier this month.

Di Maria, who is known to be very close to Messi, has claimed that the 36-year-old's injury is a blessing for Argentina, as he urged the squad to remain "calm" ahead of their title defence at the 2024 Copa America later this year.

Speaking to D Sports, the Benfica star said: "Leo is always missed. Having the best in history, being able to train and play with him is the best. It's a shame that this [injury] happened to him now, but we have to be calm. It's better that it happened now and he is fine for the Copa America."

After beating El Salvador 3-0 in their friendly encounter, La Albiceleste will be next seen in action against Costa Rica on Tuesday. Argentina will then start looking ahead to the Copa America in the United States, as they are due to kick off their title defence on June 20.