Messi, who turned 37 on Tuesday, and his team-mates are preparing to resume their Copa America title defence against Chile on Wednesday.

The reigning champion, which began its campaign with a 2-0 victory over Canada, celebrated its skipper's big day by presenting him with a cake.

Messi wrote on Instagram: "Thank you so much for all the greetings and congratulations! Another year that coincides with my birthday being with the National Team, so celebrating a little bit more and we keep getting ready for our next game."

Scaloni understands it must be difficult for the Inter Miami forward not to have the opportunity to celebrate with his family.

"I know how hard it is for him to be away from home on his birthday," he said. "We try to make sure he has the best time possible with his team-mates. We are used to it. He knows he has a whole country behind him.

"The important thing is that Messi is here. He trained normally and is fit to play [against Chile]."

Messi was part of the Argentina side that lost to Chile in successive Copa America finals on penalties in 2015 and 2016.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or briefly retired from international duty after the latter, in which he missed his spot-kick, but overturned his decision before eventually leading his nation to Copa America and World Cup glory in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Scaloni insisted Argentina is not out to avenge those defeats when it locks horns with La Roja at the MetLife Stadium.

"There is nothing left of [those finals]. Just as it is with last year’s World Cup, it's history. There's no point in going back.

"We have played many matches with these types of characteristics. We will face the match as it happens."