‘Are we retiring him?’ - Lionel Messi question annoys Lionel Scaloni as Argentina refuse to consider life without Inter Miami superstar

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is 36 years of age, but – much like eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo – he has been showing no sign of slowing down. He inspired Argentina to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 and is expected to land an eighth Golden Ball in 2023.

He has made an immediate impact in the United States since linking up with MLS side Inter Miami and remains a talismanic presence for his country heading towards the 2024 Copa America, and with 2026 World Cup qualifiers currently on the agenda.

Albiceleste boss Scaloni sees no need to consider what will happen when Messi hangs up his boots, with that day seemingly still some way off for now. He has said when quizzed on that subject once again: "Let's keep in mind that he is still here. What a way to think about 'when he is gone.' The truth is that he is still active, let's leave him alone, are we already retiring him? We commit hara-kiri, we are all crazy."

Messi has been nursing an injury of late, limiting his game time at club level, but he stepped off the bench in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Paraguay last time out and is in contention to figure against Peru on Tuesday. Scaloni added: "Leo is fine. He has been adding minutes of training. We will make the decision. It's a matter of minutes, of how much he can play. If he's well, you know what I think, he will play. We always try to play those that are at 100 per cent or close to 100 per cent. It is very difficult for everyone to be at their best in these games so there may be a variation with respect to the game against Paraguay."