Although his Argentinian coach is likely to invite him to play, Messi might have some reasons not to.
Rabat – Lionel Messi, who was expected by many of his fans, is unlikely to play in the Argentina-Morocco friendly on March 26 in Tangier.
In spite of a likely invitation from the Argentinian coach, Lionel Scaloni, the Barca star might not play the friendly match after all, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
Marca said the player would like to preserve his strength for the Catalan derby against Espanyol four days later. Lionel Messi wants to be in his best physical condition for that game. He also wants to be in his best shape for the rest of the Champions League, especially after Barcelona eliminated the French club of Lyon.
The news confirms the information reported a few days earlier by ESPN.
Coach Herve Renard of the Moroccan team and Scaloni are expected to announce today a list of players who will be invited to the upcoming FIFA matches.
Argentina will face Venezuela in Spain on March 22 before heading to Morocco.
Just yesterday, new conditions emerged regarding Morocco’s friendly football match with Argentina. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) agreed the Atlas Lions must not be ruthless in taking the ball from Lionel Messi.
FRMF was also said to have to pay MAD 10 million to the Argentine governing body for Messi to play in Morocco. FRMF also required that Messi play no fewer than 60 minutes.