What Argentina boss told Messi after injury scare

Lionel Scaloni was happy with what he saw from Lionel Messi as Argentina prepare to face Peru in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Amid concerns over an ankle injury, Messi played in Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Thursday, having a goal ruled out in the second half.

Argentina coach Scaloni said he was pleased with Messi, who is set to make his 142nd international appearance – to go equal with Brazil great Cafu for the fifth most by a South American.

“On a performance level, Leo played a good game,” he told a news conference.

“We were unlucky that they didn’t validate the goal because it had been a great play.”

Scaloni added: “I saw him well and he has no problem, that’s the important thing.”

Argentina will seek to extend their unbeaten run in qualifiers against Peru to 16 matches, but Scaloni also wanted to send his well wishes to Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano, the former Barcelona and Liverpool star who has the most caps in Argentina’s history, announced his retirement on Sunday.

“I want to emphasise the retirement of Javier Mascherano and his new life that begins from now on. I send him a big hug,” Scaloni said.

“He was an emblem of Argentine football and I wish him to do his best and that whatever he decides to do now, he does it with the same passion with which he used to play.”

Meanwhile, Peru coach Ricardo Gareca – whose side have collected just one point from their opening three qualifiers – acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team.

“We pay attention to the strength of the rivals and logically it is a challenge to try to counteract the strengths of the teams that we face,” he said.

“Argentina not only has Messi, but they have many good players in all their lines and we will have to play a great game to neutralise them.”

Argentina are currently sitting second on ther CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table after three matches – three points behind leaders Brazil.