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Messi to Start for Argentina in World Cup Send-Off: Scaloni
Scaloni confirmed Messi will start against Zambia at La Bombonera and announced two pre-World Cup friendlies to finalize Argentina's 26-man roster, focusing on team performance.
- On Tuesday, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will start against Zambia at La Bombonera, ending uncertainty about the Inter Miami star's participation in the friendly.
- The announcement follows a narrow 2-1 victory over Mauritania on Friday, a performance that left Scaloni critical of mistakes in his starting eleven's execution.
- Scaloni is using these March international friendlies to finalize his 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that no player is guaranteed a spot based on performance.
- Argentina will play two additional friendly matches before the tournament, including one against Serbia, to evaluate squad depth and ensure players reach peak physical condition.
- Scaloni intends to discuss his future with the Argentine Football Association after the World Cup, as his current contract expires at the end of the year.
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28 Articles
28 Articles
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed that Lionel Messi will be a starter in the Zambian friendly, the last to play the Albiceleste at home before the 2026 World Cup. The match will be played in Buenos Aires as part of the closing of the March FIFA double date.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 29%
C 57%
14%
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