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Messi to Start for Argentina Against Zambia as Scaloni Prepares World Cup Roster

Posted : 31 March 2026

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera. Messi is expected to make his first start of the March international window after being used as a halftime substitute in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Mauritania on March 27.

Scaloni is using the friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia to assess players and finalize the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “We have to start discarding options based on performance. There is no other option,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of evaluating every player’s contribution.

Argentina’s narrow victory over lower-ranked Mauritania highlighted areas for improvement, according to Scaloni. “The game the other night could’ve been an alert. We will think about the good of the team and make decisions accordingly,” he said, stressing that performances in these friendlies will influence final squad choices.

Although Messi has not yet confirmed whether he will participate in the World Cup, Scaloni expressed hope that the superstar will join the team and enjoy what could be his final tournament. “The important thing is that he enjoys it. Not just Argentines, but fans everywhere want to see him play and train,” Scaloni added.

Looking ahead, Argentina, three-time World Cup winners in 1978, 1986, and 2022, will open their Group J campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City. They will follow with matches against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27.

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