The Barcelona star is currently sidelined through suspension and his national team coach is eagerly awaiting his return
Argentina captain Lionel Messi will make his return from suspension in November, insists head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi was handed a three-month ban from international football in August for accusing South America’s governing body CONMEBOL of “corruption” during the Copa America.
After being controversially sent off in Argentina’s third-place play-off win over Chile in July, Messi did not appear to collect his medal and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner later explained that he did not want to “be part of this corruption, this lack of respect towards the whole Copa”.
Messi also blasted the officiating at the competition following Argentina’s semi-final loss to hosts Brazil, before then suggesting referees and the VAR would favour Tite’s men against Peru in the final, which the Selecao won 3-1.
The Argentina skipper has missed friendlies against Chile, Mexico and Germany, and he will sit out Sunday’s clash with Ecuador ahead of next month’s return.
Asked about Messi, Scaloni told reporters: “Messi is not here due to suspension.
“Sergio Aguero is not here because he’s been carrying a problem and has not been training 100 per cent with his club.
“Surely both will be here next month.”
Argentina are coming off a 2-2 draw away to Germany on Wednesday – a game in which Scaloni’s men overturned a two-goal deficit in the second half.
Scaloni has already named his line-up for the match against Ecuador, with Agustin Marchesin, Juan Foyth, German Pezzella, Walter Kannemann, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Gonzalez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Lucas Ocampos, Lucas Alario and Lautaro Martinez all starting.
“The idea is to play with attacking players. With players that get to the penalty area,” Scaloni said.
“We believe that this is the right way. We take decisions thinking about what is best for the team.”
Scaloni recently hailed Paulo Dybala and Martinez as the future of the Argentina national team .
Argentina are undefeated since their loss to Brazil in the Copa America semi-final having claimed wins over Chile and Mexico during that period.
La Albiceleste are scheduled to take on Paraguay in a friendly next month with all eyes now set to be on whether Messi does make his national team return.
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