Lionel Messi parts ways with Argentina: report

Lionel Messi has reportedly parted ways with Argentina duty as he is not expected to take part in any international match this year.

According to a report in Clarin newspaper, the Barcelona legend told Argentina interim coach Lionel Scaloni that he won't be available for the upcoming games in the United States. He also reportedly didn't confirm when he will play again for the national team or if he intends to come back for the 2019 Copa America.

The 31-year-old struggled under the weight of expectation in Russia as Argentina crashed out in the round of 16. The fallout from the World Cup debacle saw Jorge Sampaoli leave his role as Argentina manager with Scaloni named for the interim.

In 2016, after Argentina's shocking Copa America loss to Chile, Messi told the media his international playing days were over, although he changed his mind less than two months later. Messi has never won a major international title with Argentina.

Messi and Barcelona, fresh off winning the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday, take on Boca Juniors on Wednesday for the Joan Gamper trophy in a friendly at Camp Nou.