Scaloni reveals Messi talks with Argentina future up in the air

Lionel Messi has been consulted by Lionel Scaloni as the Argentina head coach ponders his future in charge of the national team.

Scaloni led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year, and in February, signed a contract keeping him at the helm through to the 2026 World Cup.

That tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, where next year’s Copa America takes place.

Reigning Copa champions Argentina were placed in Group A in Thursday’s draw. They will take on Peru, Chile, and either Canada or Trinidad and Tobago.

However, there is doubt over Scaloni’s future, with the 45-year-old unsure as to how long he will continue in his role, and he confirmed in the wake of the draw that he has held talks with Argentina captain and talisman Messi.

“I spoke with Leo, we are going to talk again in a few days and from there we are going to make a decision, the best decision for the Argentina national team which is the most important thing,” Scaloni told beIN SPORTS.

“There’s nothing wrong with the AFA leadership. My doubts are not in that area, but from something football-related, thinking about what’s coming and feeling good and about being ready for it.

“The bar is high and we need a lot of energy and for everyone to understand what’s coming. It is a personal decision and that of the coaching staff.”

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In an interview with TyC, Scaloni explained: “In principle, I am here because I am the coach. I said it after the match against Brazil that it is a personal moment to think. It is important after everything that we have achieved. We have to think about everything that is coming and see what we can do.

“The players are very good, the team is very good, they need a coach who is good, with all the energy. I said it and I repeat it, they need a coach who is at their level. It is time to think. I still think the same.

“It is necessary to do things well, with someone who is 100 per cent focused, who knows what is coming. Important things are coming, very demanding.”

Argentina will take on either Canada or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 in Atlanta, before heading to New Jersey to face Chile. Their final group match, against Peru, will take place in Miami, where Messi now plays, on June 29.