Lionel Messi has already given his verdict on potential Tottenham £33.5m swap deal involving Argentina team-mate

One of Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammates could be involved in a Premier League swap deal this summer.

Messi, who recently captained his side to Copa America glory, has already given his backing to his international colleague ahead of the potential move.

The player is currently at Tottenham but could sign for a Premier League rival.

They came off the bench when Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final, having started when they previously won the trophy against Brazil in 2021.

The player in question is midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who according to DIRECTV Sportscould join Aston Villa.

Lionel Messi rates his Argentina teammate Giovani Lo Ceslo highly and previously recommended him to Barcelona

Tottenham could pay £20m plus Lo Celso to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa

The move could be part of a swap deal that would see Jacob Ramsey join Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou’s side also reportedly paying £20m.

Villa, who have already sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £43m, are looking to ensure they comply with PSR regulations.

A 2023 report from a Spanish publication AS Sportreported that Messi had recommended Lo Celso to his former club, Barcelona.

The legendary Barcelona star, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is said to have warned then-coach Xavi a few years ago that Lo Celso was “the best player in the national team”.

Lo Celso, 28, has 57 caps for Argentina, although he was not included in the squad that won the 2022 World Cup due to a hamstring injury.

Currently valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, Lo Celso would seemingly be an impressive signing for Villa.

The midfielder joined Tottenham in 2020 and has made over 100 appearances.

Last season he played 24 matches in all competitions, after spending the previous two seasons on loan at Villarreal.