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'It's very difficult not to count on Messi' - Scaloni admits to Argentina's reliance on 'tired' Barcelona superstar

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has played every minute of his country's Copa America campaign so far, with his manager reluctant to rest him

Lionel Scaloni has admitted to Argentina's reliance on "tired" captain Lionel Messi, insisting it's "very difficult not to count on" the Barcelona superstar.

Argentina booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America after beating Paraguay 1-0 on Monday, giving them three wins from three in Group A.

Papu Gomez scored the winner but Messi was once again the main man as he racked up 74 touches and won 75 per cent of his 16 duels, more than any other player in the team.