Messi given Pochettino blessing to play for Argentina next month

Lionel Messi has been given the blessing of Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino to link up with the Argentina national side for September’s World Cup qualifiers.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to play for new club PSG since completing a shock free transfer from Barcelona on August 10, having yet to regain full fitness since winning the Copa America.

However, Messi has taken part in a full week’s training and Pochettino confirmed after Friday’s 4-2 win against Brest that his compatriot is in contention to make his debut in next week’s Ligue 1 clash against Reims.

That is PSG’s final fixture before the first international break of the season, and Pochettino has no worries about the superstar forward travelling to Argentina if selected for duty.

“I have not yet spoken with the national team selectors,” Pochettino told ESPN Argentina. 

“But they know that I am pro-selection and that we are to help not only Argentina, but all those nations which involve our players.”

Neymar, who has also yet to play for PSG since reaching the Copa America final, was this week named in Brazil’s squad for their upcoming fixtures.

Messi’s most recent match of any sort was Argentina’s Copa America final victory over Brazil on July 10.

The 34-year-old played a key role in his country’s first major title in 28 years with four goals and five assists to win the Golden Boot.

Argentina have won three and drawn three of their opening six Qatar 2022 qualifiers and face Venezuela, Brazil and Bolivia in next month’s fixtures.