Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, typically requires that players have regular club appearances to be eligible for consideration in the national team. However, he makes it clear that Lionel Messi's situation is "distinct."

These remarks were made on Monday, one day prior to Argentina's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Peru and four days after Argentina's 2-1 defeat to Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, which marked only the second loss for Scaloni's team during the qualification phase.

"We need them to be playing," Scaloni stated regarding the players in his squad. "These six qualification games were scheduled very closely together after the Copa América. We chose to maintain the core that brought us the joy of winning the cup, and there wasn't sufficient time to introduce other players. But from this point forward, we require everyone to be actively playing, and based on that, we can assess the footballing capabilities of each individual. This is the approach we've generally followed, except in this particular instance."

"In Leo's case, it's a completely different matter. He is constantly involved, even when he ought to be resting, but we don't concern ourselves with that. What's crucial is that he has a consistent presence."

Messi entered the November international break following Inter Miami CF's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs in the first round. A 3-2 loss to Atlanta United FC in Game 3 concluded the Supporters' Shield winners' season on November 9.

In 2024, Messi participated in a total of 22 matches for Inter Miami, having endured several injury spells that led to the captain being sidelined at various points during the season. Despite his restricted participation, the striker managed to score 21 goals and provide 11 assists, earning a nomination for the 2024 MLS MVP and tying for third place in the Golden Boot race.

"Leo's year has been that of a player who has engaged in numerous games, has been available for the majority of the time, and also had the Copa América in between," Scaloni further elaborated. "It's inevitable that he wouldn't be at 100% and encounter some issues. I consider this to be normal. He sustained an injury, but overall, he has consistently performed well when with us."

Messi played a crucial role in Argentina's victory in the 2024 Copa América and has regularly represented La Albiceleste during international breaks. He contributed one goal and one assist during the summer tournament and has accumulated six goals and two assists in the current World Cup qualifying cycle.

Although the forward must now await the start of preseason to return to the pitch with Inter Miami – the 2025 MLS season commences in late February – he remains actively involved with Argentina.

Argentina will host Peru on Tuesday night in the final match of the November window at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.