Lionel Messi has reportedly made a request to the Argentine FA that has left 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni taken aback.
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According to the Daily Mirror, the 36-year-old could be set to step away from international football for the next 12 months.
This comes amid the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's move to the United States with Inter Miami, with the forward keen to focus on his club football as he and his family prepare to settle in a new country.
Messi's apparent request is believed to have hit Scaloni hard, although the details of the sabbatical are still be to ironed out by the ex-Barcelona captain and the Argentine FA.
The report claims it is more than likely his plan will be given the green light due to his reputation in the South American nation following his exploits at last year's World Cup.
It is thought that the former Paris Saint-Germain man wants to take his football seriously in the MLS as he is determined to protect his status in the game despite leaving Europe.
Messi announced his decision to take his career to Inter Miami in an interview at the end of this past season, during which he detailed the reasons he was not returning to the Blaugrana as a free agent.
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Should his request be accepted in the coming weeks, the superstar will put a pause on international duties having scored 103 goals in 175 appearances for the Albiceleste since his debut in 2005.
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