Argentina captain Lionel Messi will start the Albiceleste’s final friendly at home before the 2026 World Cup against Zambia, while Julian Alvarez and Nico Gonzalez will be rested, reigning world champions coach Lionel Scaloni announced on Monday.
“Messi will start (Leo) Messi (against Zambia). Regarding the changes, I wanted to rest Julián Álvarez and Nico González, who was coming back from injury. That was the idea and to keep our basic scheme with two strikers,” said the coach at a press conference held at the Argentine Football Association(AFA) premises in Ezeiza (Buenos Aires province).
Scaloni speaks out on Messi and the 2026 World Cup
Scaloni referred to the option of the Inter Miami striker and former Barcelona and PSG player attending the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
He expressed his wish that, if so, “he would enjoy it with his teammates and without the pressure of having to win a title,” after winning the title in Qatar 2022.
“He earned this chance and everyone wants to see him train and play,” he emphasized.
When asked about the definitive list, the coach from Pujato (Santa Fe province) indicated that he has it “quite clear”, although he did not clarify further details.
“Whoever doesn’t go to the World Cup, we won’t give them many explanations because they won’t understand.”
“We always think about what we believe will be best for the team,” he added (Filed as: Messi returns as a starter against Zambia).
Argentina closes its preparation
Everyone wants to see him train and play
Lionel Scaloni
Argentina is coming off a 2-1 win over Mauritania at ‘La Bombonera’ in Buenos Aires.
This Tuesday they will complete their FIFA double date at the same venue against Zambia, in their last two games in the country before defending their title.
Buzzy said that he hopes that Friday’s victory “was an accident that cannot be repeated”.
However, he said that “it is nothing to be worried about”.
“The team, when it hasn’t played well, has shown signs of character and that’s what we’re going for.”
“When we have to compete with good opponents, the team is going to be.”
“Hopefully the team will really show the face we all want again,” the coach added.
The reigning world champions and two-time champions of the Americas will be part of Group J at the World Cup in North America.
With a June 16 opener against Algeria in Kansas City, a second presentation against Austria in Dallas on June 22 and a repeat performance in the same city on June 27 against Jordan (Filed as: Messi returns as a starter against Zambia).
With information from EFE
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