Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has made it clear that no risks will be taken with Lionel Messi as they prepare for their upcoming friendlies.

The Albiceleste have already qualified for next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as they gear up to face Venezuela on Friday, before taking on Puerto Rico next Monday.

The reigning world champions beat Friday's opponents in September, before losing 1-0 to Ecuador in their most recent outing, though they were without an injured Lionel Messi. 

Scaloni, who was at the helm when Argentina triumphed in Qatar, refused to be drawn on Messi's involvement in their forthcoming games.

“We will take a decision, we will see how he [Messi] and the rest of the players are,” Scaloni told reporters.

“We are going to talk to him and to the others. The idea is not to risk anyone. These are important games for the national team, but they are friendlies.

"Whoever has a minor problem — whether it’s him or someone else — we are not going to take any risks whatsoever.”

Messi joined up with the Argentina squad after a demanding few weeks with Inter Miami, where he has featured in all of the club’s last seven Major League Soccer matches in just three weeks.

During that stretch, the 38-year-old talisman scored five goals and provided six assists, helping the Herons secure a place in the MLS playoffs.