Messi joins Argentina camp for int’l friendlies
PSG forward Lionel Messi has landed in Argentina to link up with La Albiceleste for the first time since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
La Albiceleste trained at the Ezeiza stadium, with their minds set on the friendly with Panama on Thursday, where the world champions will celebrate with the fans in their first match after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The World Cup winner arrived on private jet with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. Messi was Argentina's protagonist in Qatar, leading Lionel Scaloni's men to the trophy. He scored seven goals and provided three assists and was awarded the tournament's Golden Ball accolade.
Argentina will play their second match on March 28 against Curacao.
After being jeered by PSG fans in the match against Rennes on Sunday, which they lost by 2-0 margin, Messi is back in a place where is his widely adored. The Parisians made a woeful exit from the UEFA Champions League following a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. Speculation is growing over Messi's future at the club.
For now, Messi will be able to put his club drama to one side and concentrate on continuing his international career with Argentina. The players arrived on Monday. They will then have a training session in Ezeiza, with Scaloni spoke to the media on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi's contract situation has led to rumors growing over a potential return to Barcelona. He left the Catalan giants in 2021 after they were unable to afford a new contract for their former captain.
Messi has endured a difficult period since PSG's exit from the UEFA Champions League. His longtime former teammate Roberto has discussed this, as well as the forward potentially returning to the Nou Camp. He told Jijantes FC following Barca's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the El Clasico.
