Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will feature in the upcoming friendly match against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The game serves as the final preparation for Argentina’s World Cup campaign, where they are scheduled to face Algeria in their opening match.
Scaloni addressed the media ahead of the Iceland match, providing updates on the fitness of key players. He stated that Messi, recently returning from a physical issue, will play a part in the game, though the extent of his playing time remains undecided. “Leo will play, even if I don’t know for how long,” Scaloni said, adding that he still needs to speak with the forward to assess his condition and avoid any risks. He reiterated Messi’s importance to the team, stating his desire for the player to fulfill his usual role.
Several other players are also nearing full fitness. Molina, Nico Paz, and Montiel are all available for selection, although their minutes will be monitored. Scaloni highlighted the team’s depth at right-back, allowing for tactical flexibility. Concerns remain over the fitness of Julian Alvarez, who is recovering from a minor ankle problem, and Leandro Paredes, who is still recovering from a muscle injury, with Paredes expected to return to training in a few days.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is facing a longer recovery period, with Scaloni estimating at least four days before he can resume intense training with his hand. The manager also discussed the potential replacement for injured defender Balerdi, stating a decision is expected soon and that the player could join the squad by Wednesday.
Scaloni also touched on the possibility of starting both Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez in the same lineup, acknowledging it’s a possibility but emphasizing the importance of maintaining team balance. He noted the added complexity of Messi’s return to fitness, making it more challenging to accommodate multiple attackers simultaneously.
