Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, has confirmed that Lionel Messi will start in the upcoming friendly against Zambia, scheduled for 1 April at 05:15 BST. This announcement comes after Messi’s substitute appearance in Argentina’s 2–1 victory over Mauritania last Saturday, which had sparked questions about why the 38-year-old superstar did not begin the match.
The reasons are multiple. Firstly, Messi is in the middle of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, meaning that player management and fatigue are significant considerations. Mauritania, ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings, presented a comparatively lower-risk opposition, allowing Messi to rest in the first half—a decision that was neither unusual nor controversial.
Additionally, March’s international break includes a second friendly for Argentina, again at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium. According to the current schedule, this will be Argentina’s final home fixture before the 2026 World Cup. Naturally, fans anticipate seeing Messi on the pitch from the first whistle in what will be the team’s last home preparation match, a sentiment Scaloni echoed during his press conference.
Scaloni hinted that the choice to withhold Messi for the opening match was also strategic, given Zambia’s stronger FIFA ranking of 81, compared with Mauritania. The emotional significance of the final home friendly, combined with Zambia’s competitive standing, made it a priority for the Argentine captain to play from the start. Argentine media further reported that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) plans a cultural ceremony ahead of the match to bid farewell to the squad before the World Cup.
Squad Management and Upcoming Friendlies
Scaloni implemented several changes to the starting XI against Mauritania to give other players international experience. He also confirmed that a preliminary 55-player squad has been submitted to the AFA, which will forward it to FIFA. Performance-based reductions will follow, finalising the 26-player World Cup squad at the last moment.
| Friendly Match | Date & Time (BST) | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia | 1 April, 05:15 | La Bombonera | Messi to start, core squad mostly selected |
| Serbia | TBA | Abroad | Final 26-man squad to play, opponent unconfirmed |
Scaloni also addressed Argentina’s underwhelming performance against Mauritania, noting that the players themselves recognised the need for improvement. “The positive is that they understood we did not play at our best. I hope we return to our familiar form against Zambia,” he said.
The press conference concluded with an update on 23-year-old forward Joaquín Panićelli, who will miss the World Cup due to injury. “It’s a very tough situation. He came to speak with us, which was heartbreaking. He didn’t deserve this, but we assured him more opportunities will come. It’s a big blow for us,” Scaloni added.
Argentina will play two further pre-World Cup friendlies, including one against Serbia. Both fixtures will feature the final 26-man squad and are expected to be played away from home, allowing Scaloni to refine his side ahead of the tournament.
In summary, fans can look forward to Messi leading the team from the start against Zambia, in what promises to be an emotionally charged final home friendly before the World Cup.