Argentina national team head coach Lionel Scaloni commented on the suggestion made by Argentina national team star striker Lionel Messi after the Copa America 2024 semi-final match against Canada (2-0).

"He can be with us as long as he wants. Even when he leaves the national team, he can come back in any capacity, if that's what he wants," Scaloni said.

Messi, who is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most capped player, hinted at a potential return to the national team after the semi-final win over Canada.

"I'm enjoying this moment with the team. We've worked hard to get here, and we still have one game to play," Messi told reporters after the match. "I don't know what the future holds for me, but I know this group means everything to me."

Scaloni, who led Argentina to a Copa America title and a World Cup final during his tenure, praised Messi's continued commitment to the national team.

“Lionel is a true leader and an inspiration to this entire team,” Scaloni said. “Even though he is approaching the final stages of his career, he remains as hungry and passionate as ever to represent his country.”

Messi, 36, who announced his retirement from international football after the 2022 World Cup, has since reversed his decision and was a key figure in Argentina's run to the Copa America final.

“Lionel’s decision to return to the national team was a huge boost for us,” Scaloni said. “His experience, skills and winning mentality are invaluable, and the young players on our team have learned a lot from him.”

Scaloni acknowledged that Messi's future with the national team remains uncertain, but expressed hope that the iconic forward will continue to be part of the team for years to come.

“We all know that Lionel is nearing the end of his career, but that doesn’t make his contributions any less important,” Scaloni said. “He has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, and I am sure he still has much to offer on and off the field.”