Lionel Messi will start for Argentina in their friendly match against Zambia on Tuesday night at La Bombonera, according to manager Lionel Scaloni. This will be Messi's first start of the March international window, after being used as a halftime substitute in the 2-1 victory over Mauritania on March 27. Scaloni plans to use the friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia to determine the 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, analyzing each performance to make a final decision.
Scaloni stated that he has a clear idea of the list, but if the performances aren't adequate, he will take measures and make adjustments. He emphasized that the team's needs will be prioritized when making decisions. Although Scaloni confirmed that Messi has not decided whether he'll join Argentina at the World Cup, he expressed his desire for Messi to participate and enjoy the experience.
Argentina defeated Mauritania by a narrow 2-1 margin on Friday, a result that Scaloni described as an alert. He noted that the team's performance will be closely evaluated to determine the final roster for the World Cup. Argentina will make their debut in the tournament against Algeria on June 16 in Group J in Kansas City.
The team's upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the final roster, with Scaloni looking to make informed decisions based on player performances. Messi's participation in the friendly against Zambia will be closely watched, as Argentina prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
When Scaloni says the list of 26 players for the World Cup is "quite clear", that means he has already made up his mind on most of the squad, and the friendlies are just a formality. This implies that Messi's participation in the World Cup is not just a desire, but a necessity for Argentina's success. Scaloni's emphasis on Messi enjoying the experience suggests that he is aware of the player's uncertain future and wants to make the most of his potential last World Cup appearance. The fact that Scaloni is using the friendlies to determine the final roster also means that some players are still fighting for a spot, and their performances will be crucial in securing a place in the team.
