Argentina coach hopeful of Lionel Messi return

Argentina head coach Lionel Scalonia has a “good feeling” that Lionel Messi will return to international football.

The four-time Ballon d’Or winner took a period of leave from the national side after they crashed out of the World Cup, losing to eventual champions France in the round of 16.

With the Copa America fast approaching it is unknown whether the 31-year-old will return to international duty; however, interim coach Scaloni told reporters at Thursday’s draw for this summer’s competition that the Barcelona forward may return.

“We will speak with Leo in the days before the March list. When the time is right we will speak.

“I hope he can be here but more than that, we want him to be happy. I have a good feeling.”

Messi has won the U20 World Cup and has an Olympic gold medal to his name; however, he is still to win a senior honour with his country despite representing his nation at four World Cups and four Copa Americas.

Of Messi’s four major tournament appearances, the Argentinian all-time top-scorer has been a beaten finalist on four occasions and as a result has been left to ponder his future with the national team.

Argentina’s major trophy drought stretched back to 1993 when they last won the Copa America, but they were drawn in Group B against Colombia, Paraguay and invited side Qatar for the upcoming competition.