Coach Scaloni leaves Messi’s participation for Argentina uncertain

Head coach Lionel Scaloni is reportedly weighing the option of giving Lionel Messi a break during the friendly against Venezuela.

Ahead of the FIFA international break in October, the Argentina national team has arrived in Miami to prepare for their first friendly against Venezuela in the two matches scheduled in the United States. Regarding the lineup, head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to decide whether Lionel Messi will play in this match or be rested for the following game against Puerto Rico.

Scaloni faces difficulty making a decision because Messi has not yet reached peak fitness, having played full 90 minutes in seven consecutive matches for Inter Miami within 21 days. Additionally, he must prepare for the MLS playoffs, an important upcoming challenge for Inter Miami, a team that has already secured its spot.

In the press conference, Scaloni stated he will discuss directly with Messi to assess his condition, emphasizing that there is no intention to take unnecessary risks. He also mentioned that Marcos Acuna is in a similar situation.

Specifically, the 47-year-old coach said: "We will talk with him and the entire team. The idea is not to take risks with anyone. These are only friendly matches, and although the national team is important, anyone with even a minor issue will not be put at risk. But if they are fit, they will play."

Scaloni will also be without Thiago Almada for these matches, forcing him to find an alternative for that position. Among the candidates who might get a chance to play are young talents Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz.

According to Argentine media, Scaloni plans to give as many players as possible the opportunity to play, starting the match against Venezuela with the usual starting lineup. Therefore, Messi still has a chance to play unless fitness issues prevent him.

As for the 38-year-old superstar, he continues to contribute to the Argentina national team. Although he has announced that his most recent home game would be his last appearance on home soil, El Pulga still aims to achieve the final milestones with the national team. However, he has not yet decided whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup, where La Albiceleste will enter as defending champions.

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