Lionel Messi will start for Argentina in a friendly against Zambia on Tuesday in what is the reigning world champions’ last match on home soil before the country begins its World Cup title defense.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi, who started on the bench in Friday’s lackluster 2-1 win over Mauritania, will take charge of what is expected to be a strong side against Zambia.
«Messi will be in the starting line-up tomorrow,» Scaloni said.
Messi, 38, has not yet formally confirmed his intention to play in the World Cup but played a full role in Argentina’s finals qualifying campaign.
Scaloni indicated he expects Messi to be part of his squad for what would be the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s sixth World Cup appearance.
«The most important thing is that he comes and enjoys being at a World Cup – which in theory will be his last. We want him to enjoy it because later you really miss playing in events like this,» Scaloni said of Messi.
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Scaloni said on Tuesday that Messi will be surrounded by the established core of the team, which topped South American qualifying, and will start the World Cup as one of the favorites for the title.
«Most of the players we know well will play. This will be the last test,» Scaloni said.
“Later we will make some changes to look at some of the younger guys, but the idea is to field our most familiar line-up,” he said, stressing that Friday’s sloppy win over Mauritania was not representative of his side.
«I am convinced that the level of performance of the team is not what we saw recently. If we see that the team is not quite there yet, we will look for other options. But they deserve a vote of confidence,» said Scaloni.
Scaloni has already submitted a provisional list of 55 players to the Argentine Football Association, with the final selection of 26 players due to be confirmed at the end of May.
«I have put together the list quite well, but if performance levels are not up to par, we will take steps to ensure we can put together the absolute best possible selection; we are aiming for something as close to perfection as possible,» he said.
«The players who have been with us for a while have a little advantage simply because we know them well; however, they must maintain that advantage – and everyone knows that what happened recently (against Mauritania) cannot be repeated,» he added.
Published on March 31, 2026
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