Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s international friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera.
Messi is set to make his first start during the March international break, having previously featured as a halftime substitute in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Mauritania on March 27, also at La Bombonera.
“Yes, I think he’ll start, from the beginning tomorrow [against Zambia],” Scaloni said.
The coaching staff is using these fixtures to assess player readiness ahead of the next major tournament.
Scaloni explained that both the Mauritania and Zambia friendlies are key to shaping Argentina’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with performances under close review as decisions approach.
“The list of 26 players [for the World Cup], I think we’re above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option,” said Scaloni.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, narrowly defeated Mauritania — ranked 115th globally and yet to qualify for a World Cup — with a 2-1 scoreline on Friday. The tight result has prompted further reflection within the coaching setup.
“The game the other night could’ve been an alert; it’s things that, as a head coach, one starts looking at, and later, we will decide,” Scaloni said.
“The list of 26 players [for the World Cup], I think we’re above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option,” said Scaloni.
The South American side, which lifted the World Cup in 1978, 1986, and 2022, continues to evaluate its squad depth carefully ahead of the global tournament.
“The game the other night could’ve been an alert; it’s things that, as a head coach, one starts looking at, and later, we will decide,” Scaloni said.
“We will consider the team’s best interests and make decisions accordingly. I’d say I have the list quite clear, but if the performances aren’t adequate, then we will take measures and then be convinced with the players we take to do the best possible job.”
While Scaloni has previously indicated that Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup, he emphasized the desire for the star forward to be part of the squad.
“The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoys being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I wouldn’t dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it,” Scaloni said.
Scaloni confirms Messi start as Argentina fine-tunes World Cup plans
Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s international friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera.
Messi is set to make his first start during the March international break, having previously featured as a halftime substitute in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Mauritania on March 27, also at La Bombonera.
“Yes, I think he’ll start, from the beginning tomorrow [against Zambia],” Scaloni said.
The coaching staff is using these fixtures to assess player readiness ahead of the next major tournament.
Scaloni explained that both the Mauritania and Zambia friendlies are key to shaping Argentina’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with performances under close review as decisions approach.
“The list of 26 players [for the World Cup], I think we’re above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option,” said Scaloni.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, narrowly defeated Mauritania — ranked 115th globally and yet to qualify for a World Cup — with a 2-1 scoreline on Friday. The tight result has prompted further reflection within the coaching setup.
“The game the other night could’ve been an alert; it’s things that, as a head coach, one starts looking at, and later, we will decide,” Scaloni said.
“The list of 26 players [for the World Cup], I think we’re above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option,” said Scaloni.
The South American side, which lifted the World Cup in 1978, 1986, and 2022, continues to evaluate its squad depth carefully ahead of the global tournament.
“The game the other night could’ve been an alert; it’s things that, as a head coach, one starts looking at, and later, we will decide,” Scaloni said.
“We will consider the team’s best interests and make decisions accordingly. I’d say I have the list quite clear, but if the performances aren’t adequate, then we will take measures and then be convinced with the players we take to do the best possible job.”
While Scaloni has previously indicated that Messi has yet to confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup, he emphasized the desire for the star forward to be part of the squad.
“The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoys being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I wouldn’t dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it,” Scaloni said.
“I think it’s not just Argentines who want to see him; everyone wants to see him. They want to see him train, see him play, and that is what we all wish for.”
Argentina are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, before facing Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Group J.
“I think it’s not just Argentines who want to see him; everyone wants to see him. They want to see him train, see him play, and that is what we all wish for.”
Argentina are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City, before facing Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Group J.
