Scaloni Confirms Messi Starting Return

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will return to the starting line-up for the upcoming friendly against Zambia national football team, ending speculation over his role following the previous match against Mauritania national football team.

In last Saturday’s 2–1 friendly victory over Mauritania, Messi was introduced only after half-time, prompting questions among supporters over why he did not begin the match in front of a home crowd. The decision was largely attributed to squad rotation, physical management and the player’s ongoing commitments in Major League Soccer, where the 38-year-old remains actively involved in a demanding schedule.

Mauritania, ranked significantly lower in the FIFA standings, were seen as suitable opposition for experimentation, allowing Scaloni to rotate his squad and assess depth. Resting Messi for the opening half was therefore viewed as a cautious and calculated approach rather than an indication of tactical uncertainty.

Attention has now shifted to the forthcoming fixture against Zambia, a comparatively stronger opponent and Argentina’s final home match before the 2026 World Cup. The encounter carries added emotional weight, as it is expected to serve as a symbolic farewell appearance for the national side on home soil ahead of the tournament. Reports in the Argentine media also suggest that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is planning a pre-match cultural ceremony to mark the occasion.

Match Overview

Speaking at a press conference, Scaloni ended speculation by confirming Messi’s inclusion from the outset. He stated that most of the established players would also feature in the starting line-up, indicating a near full-strength selection for the fixture.

“Messi will start tomorrow, and most of the familiar players will also be involved,” Scaloni said, emphasising continuity and rhythm-building ahead of a crucial phase in Argentina’s preparations.

The coach also explained his broader approach during the Mauritania match, noting that changes to the starting eleven were made deliberately to provide opportunities for fringe players. According to him, squad rotation remains a key element of his long-term planning as Argentina refine their options ahead of the World Cup.

Scaloni further revealed that Argentina have already submitted a provisional 55-man squad list to the AFA, which will subsequently be forwarded to FIFA. This group will gradually be reduced based on player performance, fitness, and tactical suitability, with the final 26-man squad expected to be confirmed at a later stage.

There was also disappointment within the camp regarding the overall performance against Mauritania. Scaloni acknowledged this openly, stating that the players themselves recognised the team had not performed to expectations. He expressed hope that Argentina would return to their usual standard in the upcoming fixture.

In a more emotional moment during the press conference, Scaloni addressed the injury setback suffered by 23-year-old forward Joaquín Panichelli. The player’s condition has ruled him out of World Cup contention, a development described by the coach as deeply painful for the squad. Scaloni noted that Panichelli had visited the team and received words of encouragement, though the setback remains a significant blow.

Looking ahead, Argentina are scheduled to play two additional warm-up matches before the World Cup, including one against Serbia, with the second opponent yet to be confirmed. These fixtures will reportedly feature the finalised 26-man squad and will be played away from home, as part of the team’s final phase of preparation.

With Messi now set to start, anticipation is high among supporters eager to witness what could be one of the final home appearances of the legendary forward before another global tournament.