• Source:JND
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Lionel Messi might be heading towards the end of his career in terms of increasing age but his performances and his impact on the game still remain one of the most satisfying things to watch whenever he is in action.

After fulfilling his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup last year in Qatar, Messi was expected to call upon his retirement but that didn't happen as the star footballer aimed to continue for more.

Messi had said that he wants to continue and live the feeling of being a world champion for a while with Argentina.

Amid all the speculations, the Argentina coach was asked about the retirement of captain Messi in Monday's press conference ahead of Argentina's World Cup qualifier at Peru.

 

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"Let's keep in mind that he [Messi] is still here. What a way to think about 'when he is gone.' The truth is that he is still active, let's leave him alone, are we already retiring him? We commit hara-kiri, we are all crazy."

The moment Messi started featuring in matches for the national team post World Cup win, it became speculation that the former Barcelona captain might continue till the next edition of Copa America next year which will be played in the United States.

The rumors also stated that the reason for his eye on involvement in Copa America is that the next World Cup will also be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and Messi could possibly play till the enormous tournament in 2026.

 

Will Messi play against Peru?

The coach Scaloni was also asked about what or who will determine if Messi plays in Argentina's next match against Peru to which he responded "It is to speak with him and to ask him how he is."

Messi came off the bench in the second half and played over 40 minutes in Argentina's 1-0 win over Paraguay in Thursday's World Cup qualifier.

The Inter Miami CF forward was the only scorer in last month's 1-0 win over Ecuador, but then missed the team's second World Cup qualifier -- a 3-0 win at Bolívia due to muscular problems. Scaloni did not say whether or not Messi would start on Tuesday.

"Leo [Messi] is fine," he said. "He has been adding minutes of training. We will make the decision tomorrow. It's a matter of minutes, of how much he can play. If he's well, you know what I think, he will play.

 

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"We always try to play those that are at 100 percent or close to 100 percent. Today it is very difficult for everyone to be at their best in these games so there may be a variation with respect to the game against Paraguay."

Scaloni also said that it's okay that Messi comes good in full fitness ahead of the crunch CONMEBOL qualifiers: "It's not a problem. On the contrary, he will play two games and come with rhythm."

Argentina have won all three of their qualifying games and are top of their South American group, two points clear of arch-rivals Brazil.