Lionel Messi 'tension' led to shock exit hint from Lionel Scaloni

The Argentina boss has grown "tired" of the "sideshow" that accompanies the national team and had also experienced "tension" with Messi ahead of the match with Brazil, according to The Athletic. Violence broke out before kick-off, which saw Messi lead his team-mates off the pitch and back into the dressing room - a decision the captain made "without consulting" Scaloni and which had "agitated" the Argentina boss and his coaching staff.

Scaloni led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 in Qatar, with Messi finally winning the one trophy that had eluded him for so long. The win was the first time Argentina had been crowned world champions since Diego Maradona inspired his nation to victory in 1986 and was greeted by jubilant scenes back home. Argentina extended Scaloni's contract to 2026 after the victory, although it remains to be seen if he will see it out.