Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni usually demands that individuals make regular appearances to ensure their club’s eligibility for the national team, but he insists Lionel Messi’s case is “different”.

The comments came on Monday, a day before Argentina’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Peru and four days after Argentina lost 2-1 to Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, only the second defeat for Scaloni’s side during the qualifying cycle.

“We need them to play,” Scaloni said of players on his squad. “These six matches (in qualifying) were very close after the Copa América. We chose to continue with the basics that gave us cup joy and there was not much time to bring in other players, but from now on we we need everyone to play and from there we can determine everyone’s level of football, as we have always done, except on this occasion.

“In Leo’s case it is a completely different case. He always plays, even when he has to rest, but we don’t think anything else. It is important that they have continuity.”

Messi entered November’s international competition after being eliminated in the first round of the Major League Soccer play-offs with Inter Miami CF, where a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United FC in Game 3 ended the season of the Supporters’ Shield winners on November 9.

Messi made a total of 22 appearances for Inter Miami in 2024 after suffering several injuries that sidelined the captain at various points in the season. Despite his limited involvement, the forward recorded 21 goals and 11 assists, earning an MLS MVP nomination in 2024 and finishing tied for third in the Golden Boot race.

“Leo’s year is the year of a player who has played many matches, who has been available a lot and who has had a Copa América in between,” said Scaloni. “It’s difficult for him to be 100% and not have had any problems, I see that as normal. He suffered an injury, but overall he has always had a good time with us.”

Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2024 Copa América triumph, while consistently playing for La Albiceleste during international breaks. He scored one goal and one assist during the summer tournament and has six goals and two assists during the current World Cup qualifying cycle.

Although the attacker now has to wait until the preseason returns to the field at Inter Miami (the 2025 MLS season starts at the end of February), he remains active with Argentina.

Argentina hosts Peru on Tuesday evening in the last match of the November period at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.