Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi finally realized his long-cherished dream of winning the World Cup last year, and despite being 36 years old, he has no intention of retiring. Recently, Messi announced that he would join the Miami International team of Major League Soccer, and rumor has it that he requested a "one-year leave of absence" from Argentina's national team coach Scarloni, with the intention of suspending national team matches in order to spend more time adapting to his new life in the United States. Just last Sunday (25th), Messi played an exhibition match in Argentina's national team colors and hit three goals in half a game, showing his amazing form.
According to Britain's Daily Mirror, Messi made a request to Scalani to temporarily leave the national team after his visit to Beijing for Argentina's warm-up game in the middle of this month. Its main purpose is to focus on resettling his family in the U.S., with the expectation of returning to the national team in a year's time, and with the goal of participating in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. As for the upcoming Copa America next summer, it is unclear whether Messi will be involved.
Reports indicate that Scalani was surprised by Messi's request, but ultimately decided to make it happen. The request is still subject to review by the Argentine Football Federation, but it is not expected to be too problematic. Messi is reportedly set to make his debut for Miami International on July 22, before returning to Argentina for his 36th birthday (June 24th). And on Sunday, he even made his debut in a national team kit for the farewell match of his former teammate, Maxi Rodigues.
Max Lodigus, who played for prestigious clubs such as Sporting Madrid and Liverpool, announced his retirement earlier this year. In this farewell match, he played against the Argentine national team as part of the Newell's Old Boys team he played for in his last stint. It was a star-studded event, with names such as Batistuta, Odiga, Gambiasu, Di Maria, Saviona and many others making an appearance, but Messi was undoubtedly the center of attention. Newell's Old Boys fans even deployed drones and a large light show to celebrate Messi's birthday.
