After reportedly being involved in a big disagreement with Lionel Messi late last year, Argentina's manager has sent a public message that relates to his captain.
Following a win over Brazil in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in December, rumours suggested that Lionel Scaloni had become frustrated with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
This came after Messi reportedly instructed his teammates to leave the field without consulting Scaloni and his staff during violent clashes between fans and police in the stands ahead of the aforementioned match.
The 46-year-old manager later put out cryptic messages over his future as Albiceleste manager, suggesting at one point that he was running out of energy.
Since then, there has been no further talk that Scaloni will leave his post, with his current contracted scheduled to expire months after the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The head coach and his players, meanwhile, are currently preparing for their first 2024 Copa America game against Canada on Friday as they seek to retain their title.
Addressing the talk that this could be Messi and Angel Di Maria's final tournaments on the international stage, Scaloni urged supporters to enjoy both of them in the present.
"We managed to have a process in the national team. The balance, beyond the titles, is that we have enjoyed a lot," he said, according to ESPN.
"It is a pleasure to see them train and play, how they give themselves. I am not worried about the future of Messi and Di Maria. It doesn't make much sense to think about when they're gone. Let's enjoy them now, we'll see what happens later.
"Messi is fine, he's happy. I have renewed ideas and strength. It's a nice challenge to defend the title."
Reigning champions Argentina will go into the Copa America with the hopes of collecting a third straight title, after following up their continental success in 2021 with a World Cup triumph in 2022.
