Argentina coach Gerardo Martino quashed any lingering speculation that Lionel Messi might take a break from internationals by naming the Barcelona player in his US tour squad yesterday.

Messi will lead Argentina in friendlies against Bolivia and Mexico in Texas next month as they prepare for 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Argentine media had suggested the former World Player of the Year might not take part in the tour after his team lost the Copa America final to hosts Chile on penalties last month, with some criticising his performance in the Santiago decider.

Martino said the criticism was unfair and that if he was the Barcelona forward he would have quit the national team.

Argentina meet Bolivia in Houston on Sept. 4 and Mexico in Dallas four days later.

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