Lionel Messi to play for Argentina in Copa America, coach says

Argentina’s Lionel Messi runs with the ball during an international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Venezuela at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Friday, March 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi will play for Argentina in the Copa America in June in Brazil, according to coach Lionel Scaloni on Monday.

Scaloni, speaking in Morocco where Argentina plays the national team on Tuesday, said he has not discussed the Copa America with Messi since Argentina was embarrassed by Venezuela 3-1 on Friday.

Still, he thought Messi will play in the Copa America.

“Leo will be in Copa America. It is evident he will be. He showed maximum will here and we see he is very driven,” Scaloni said. “When the match against Venezuela finished, we talked about the match, not about what is to come. We will work to get a better team.”

The friendly against Venezuela marked Messi’s first match for Argentina since the World Cup.

Messi made no impression against Venezuela in Madrid. He will not play against Morocco on Tuesday because of a groin injury.