Scaloni hopes 2020 Copa America isn't Messi's last

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hopes the 2020 Copa America will not be Lionel Messi's international swansong.

Lionel Messi has enjoyed great success at the club level with Barcelona but has struggled to replicate the same with Argentina.

Lionel Scaloni hopes the 2020 Copa America is not Lionel Messi's last as he eyes success with Argentina.

Argentina will open next year's tournament against Chile at El Monumental on June 12, it was revealed on Tuesday.

Scaloni hopes 32-year-old Messi, who will again be aiming to win his first senior international trophy, plays beyond the 2020 Copa.

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"I don't know if it will be the last. Hopefully not," the Argentina coach told reporters.

"But Argentina need the title, more than just him. Hopefully, don't promise anything, but we'll give the maximum to reach the final."

Argentina, which last won the Copa in 1993, will also face Uruguay, Paraguay, Australia and Bolivia in Group A after its opener against Chile.

Scaloni's men beat Chile in the third-place play-off this year, in a game that saw Messi and Gary Medel sent off.

Red card for Messi! Messi chases down a throughball that runs out of play, before engaging in a shoving match with Medel. Messi gives him a little nudge and Medel took exception, turning and getting right in his face as both players get a red! #ARG

pic.twitter.com/DB171qzNKH

— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 6, 2019

 

"It's a nice game to start," he said. "Anyone would have been difficult because the debut is always difficult, but this one has a special feeling.

"Chile has always been difficult for Argentina, especially in recent times. Difficult, but we are fine."