Mariano Troilo has revealed that there is a "no hitting" Lionel Messi rule in Argentina training to safeguard the Inter Miami superstar.
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Troilo was called up by Lionel ScaloniHad a wonderful experience with MessiHad to abide by a strict rule in trainingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 21-year-old Belgrano centre-back, called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for the first time for Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Chile, disclosed that there’s an unwritten rule in the camp: no one is allowed to lay a tackle on Messi during training.
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Troilo, despite not making an appearance in the recent CONMEBOL qualifiers, cherished his call-up and the rare opportunity to train alongside Argentina’s top-tier talents. Reflecting on his time in the camp, the young defender expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received, especially from Messi himself.
WHAT TROILO SAID ABOUT MESSI
Troilo said: "He welcomed me very well and made me feel part of the group very quickly."
The most eye-catching revelation from Troilo’s interview was the insider detail about how Messi is handled, or rather, not handled, during sessions.
"The only one you can’t hit is you know who," he said. "You don’t hit him, I don’t hit him, [Walter] Samuel doesn’t hit him, not even the kit man. It’s a rule here that no one can change."
DID YOU KNOW?
Messi is expected to return to international duties later this year as Argentina resume their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Albiceleste will take on Venezuela and Ecuador in their final set of qualifiers in September, having already booked their place at the 2026 tournament.