TIL Desk Sports/ Argentina captain Lionel Messi has ruled himself out of two friendlies in the United States next month, a source at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) told on Wednesday. The source, confirming widespread reports in Argentine media, said the Barcelona forward would miss the games against Guatemala and Colombia and possibly more.
“We don’t know what will happen after but for now (Messi) has told the coaching staff that he will not be part of the next squad,” the source said. Reports said Messi was still disappointed over Argentina’s poor showing in the World Cup, where they were eliminated at the last 16 stage by eventual winners France.
He will not go to Los Angeles for the September 7 match against Guatemala or to New Jersey to face Colombia four days later. Interim coach Lionel Scaloni is due to announce his squad for the games by next Monday. It is not the first time Messi has decided to take time out from international duty.
