PSG and Argentina reach agreement over Messi playing time

The amount of football played by Lionel Messi has been a well-known source of contention between the Argentine national team and Paris Saint-Germain this term, yet the two sides have begun to make contact over a compromise.

Messi had missed the last two PSG matches before the international break due to injury, yet he immediately joined up with Lionel Scaloni's charges once the break began.

PSG sporting director Leonardo was vocal in his displeasure over this matter, although it's understood that Messi made it clear when he penned his contract with the Parisian club that he would be permitted to prioritise representing his country.

Having visited a regenerative therapy clinic in Madrid whilst his teammates battled to a draw against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, rushing Messi straight back into action wasn't something the French club were particularly enthused about.

Scaloni, in a position of newfound strength after winning the Copa America, has been in discussions with PSG in recent days and the two parties have appeared to have found an agreement on how Messi will be utilised.

Messi didn't start the match against Uruguay on Friday, with it being the first time in five years that he began an international match from the bench.

He was introduced in the 76th minute, which saw him play around 20 minutes of football, in which he didn't manage to influence the scoreline.

Scaloni detailed in his post-match press conference just why he had used Messi in such a way that no previous Albiceleste coach had dared to.

"We decided that he shouldn't play because he came from a period of inactivity," Scaloni declared.

"Going into the second half we needed him to pick up pace ahead of Brazil."

PSG will now hope to have Messi back and fully fit to play once the international break concludes, although it's expected he will play a key role against Brazil.

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