Lionel Scaloni has shed light on why Lionel Messi is being carefully managed ahead of the Copa America, reported by GOAL. The Inter Miami star is seeing limited game time, with precautions being taken to ensure his fitness.

This season, Messi has faced some fitness issues at club level, causing him to miss several MLS games. Additionally, he missed international duty with Argentina in March, leading to a six-month gap since his last appearance for the national team.

Careful return for Lionel Messi

Messi made a return to the field during a friendly against Ecuador in Chicago, where Angel Di Maria scored the game's only goal. Messi came off the bench in the 56th minute, with Argentina opting to limit his exposure. This cautious approach aims to avoid any unnecessary risks with their star player.

Scaloni, addressing the media after Messi's brief stint in the narrow win at Soldier Field, emphasized the need to protect key players. “With Leo, there is no need to risk him,” Scaloni said. “Not just with him, but others like [Nicolas] Otamendi didn't play. Angel only played some minutes, Julian [Alvarez] and Lautaro [Martinez] the same. We want to take care of these players and allow them to arrive in their best possible conditions for the tournament.”

Scaloni's comments highlight a broader strategy of managing player fitness leading up to the Copa America. By giving limited minutes to key players like Messi, Di Maria, Alvarez, and Martinez, Scaloni is ensuring that his squad remains fresh and in peak condition when the tournament begins.

What's next for Argentina

Argentina's next friendly is against Guatemala on Friday in Washington DC. This match serves as another opportunity for Scaloni to test his squad while managing the fitness of his star players. Following this, Argentina will open their Copa America campaign against Canada on June 20.

As the team prepares for the tournament, Messi's role remains crucial. His presence and leadership on the field are invaluable, but ensuring he is fully fit and ready is the top priority. The careful management of his playing time reflects the importance of having him at his best for the crucial matches ahead.

Scaloni's cautious approach with Lionel Messi is a calculated move to protect Argentina's most valuable asset. By limiting his minutes in the lead-up to the Copa America, the coach aims to have Messi in top form for the tournament. This strategy not only safeguards Messi's health but also ensures that Argentina can rely on their talisman when it matters most. As the Copa America approaches, all eyes will be on Messi and whether this careful management pays off in Argentina's quest for glory.