Argentina to Start Lionel Messi for Zambia Friendly at La Bombonera Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will start the friendly match against Zambia on Tuesday night at La Bombonera stadium. The decision marks Messi’s first start of the March international window, following his substitution in the 2-1 victory over Mauritania on March 27. Scaloni emphasized that the friendly against Zambia will be a key opportunity to evaluate players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as part of a broader process to finalize the 26-player roster. The reigning World Cup champions secured a narrow 2-1 win over Mauritania, a team ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings and with no World Cup history. Scaloni acknowledged the match as a critical test, stating that performances in such games will inform the selection process. “The game the other night could’ve been an alert, it’s things that as a head coach one starts looking at and later, we will decide,” he said. The manager reiterated that the focus will be on the team’s best interests, with decisions based on player performance. Scaloni also addressed Messi’s potential participation in the World Cup, noting that while the forward has not yet confirmed his decision to join the squad, the team remains eager to have him. “The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoy being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I wouldn’t dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it,” Scaloni said. He added that Messi’s presence would be a significant draw for fans globally, stating, “I think it’s not just Argentines who want to see him. Everyone wants to see him train, see him play, and that is what we all wish for.#lionel_messi #2026_fifa_world_cup #lionel_scaloni #zambia #la_bombonera
