Will Lionel Messi Feature? Scaloni Breaks Silence, Press Conference Turns Emotional Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on March 31, 2026, that Lionel Messi will start in the friendly match against Zambia on April 1, 2026, at the La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. This marks Messi’s first start of the March international break following his substitute appearance in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Mauritania. Scaloni emphasized that Messi’s inclusion in the lineup is a priority, stating, “Yes, I think he will start from the beginning tomorrow. The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoys being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I would not dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it.” The announcement came amid a significant setback for Argentina’s squad. Joaquin Panichelli, a 23-year-old forward for Strasbourg, tore his cruciate ligaments during training on March 30, 2026. The injury sidelines the player, who had emerged as a key backup for the World Cup, stepping in behind Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Scaloni expressed deep disappointment over the injury, noting its potential impact on Argentina’s preparations for the tournament. The press conference took an emotional turn when Scaloni addressed Panichelli’s condition. He revealed that the young forward visited the training facility despite his injury, a gesture that moved the coaching staff. “It is very difficult… We have spoken with him. He even took the trouble to come to the training facility after they gave him the result. He could have stayed at the hotel in peace, but he came here and asked to speak with us,” Scaloni said, struggling to contain his emotions. Scaloni also reflected on the broader challenges of building a championship-ready team.#lionel_messi #joaquin_panichelli #strasbourg #lionel_scaloni #la_bombonera
Strasbourg Predicted Lineup for Europa Conference League Clash with Rijeka RC Strasbourg Alsace will field a modified lineup for their UEFA Europa Conference League match against HNK Rijeka on Thursday, as key players remain sidelined. Manager Gary O’Neil has confirmed that neither Diego Moreira nor Emanuel Emegha will return to the squad for the encounter, despite both being expected to recover in the coming weeks. The absence of these two central figures means the team will have to rely on alternative options to maintain their attacking threat. Moreira’s absence sees Abdoul Ouattara stepping into the right-wing role, despite Gessime Yassine’s recent strong performance in the Coupe de France. Yassine is likely to be positioned behind Ouattara, though his inclusion in the matchday squad remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Aaron Anselmino continues to miss out due to a muscular injury, while Maxi Oyedele is again ruled out of the squad. These absences will test the depth of Strasbourg’s squad, particularly in the midfield and attacking positions. The team’s attacking options are expected to remain largely unchanged, with Joaquin Panichelli leading the line and Julio Enciso operating as the No.10. The midfield trio of Samir El Mourabet, Valentin Barco, and Martial Godo is likely to form the core of the team’s playmaking, supported by the defensive partnership of Ben Chilwell, Ismael Doukouré, and Andrew Omobamidele. Goalkeeper Mike Penders is set to start, with Guéla Doué providing cover in goal. The lineup, as outlined by L’Éq, includes the following: Mike Penders; Ben Chilwell, Ismael Doukouré, Andrew Omobamidele, Guéla Doué; Samir El Mourabet, Valentin Barco; Martial Godo, Julio Enciso, Abdoul Ouattara; Joaquin Panichelli.#gary_oneil #hnk_rijeka #rc_strasbourg_alsace #abdoul_ouattara #joaquin_panichelli
Strasbourg secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Reims in the French Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, with two late penalty kicks deciding the match. The first-division side, facing a second-tier opponent, dominated possession throughout but could not break the deadlock until the 83rd minute. A penalty was awarded after the ball struck Spanish-Irish midfielder John Patrick on the arm, setting the stage for a tense shootout. Argentine striker Joaquin Panichelli and Paraguayan winger Julio Enciso both stepped up to take the spot kicks. After a brief standoff as neither player was willing to release the ball, diminutive Argentine midfielder Valentin Barco intervened, guiding Enciso away from the ball. Panichelli took the first penalty, striking the ball hard toward the middle of the goal. The shot hit the underside of the crossbar, rebounded down, and bounced into the net, sending the striker sprinting toward the corner flag in celebration. Four minutes later, David Datro Fofana evaded two defenders before being brought down by Reims goalkeeper Alexandre Olliero. With Panichelli substituted, Enciso stepped up for the second penalty, drilling the ball low and past the diving Olliero. Enciso’s two goals made him the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, and he celebrated by holding his finger to his lips. “The first was for me,” Panichelli told BeIN Sport after the match. “I’m very happy he was able to score the second.” The win extended Strasbourg’s lead in the tie, but Reims fought back in the final moments, with Patrick Zabi scoring a late goal four minutes into added time. The victory marked Strasbourg’s first appearance in the French Cup last four since 2001, a season when the club won the tournament for the third time.#joaquin_panichelli #strasbourg #reims #john_patterson #julio_enciso
