Coach Lionel Scaloni affirmed that Lionel Messi will play in the friendly match between Argentina and Iceland taking place at 8:00 am on June 10 (Vietnam time), and at the same time spoke out in response to information considered "distorted" related to the role of this superstar in the team.
At a press conference on June 9, the Argentine coach said that he has not yet decided whether Messi will start or come on as a substitute.
Messi will play but I don't know how many minutes he will play, in the main squad or from the bench. I will discuss with him during the training session to avoid any risks," coach Scaloni shared.
According to the 48-year-old strategist, defenders Molina, Montiel and young midfielder Nico Paz are all ready to play. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez is recovering positively from an ankle injury.
Julian Alvarez is completely fine, his ankles are recovering day by day. We are giving him rest to reach his best condition," he added.
Currently, Argentina only has a few cases to monitor regarding physical condition before the 2026 World Cup. Center-back Balerdi is definitely missing the tournament, while Leandro Paredes is still in the process of recovery.
Coach Scaloni said that the team will soon announce a replacement plan for Balerdi in the next few days. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also being watched after an injury to his finger.
Besides the force story, coach Scaloni also attracted attention when reacting strongly to information from European media related to Messi and the operation of the Argentine national team.
The other day, I said that I discussed everything related to Messi with him and a foreign media channel distorted my words, claiming that I did not make any decisions without asking his opinion first," he said angrily.
According to coach Scaloni, this information is also used to question coach Roberto Martinez of the Portuguese national team about Cristiano Ronaldo.
I am sure that he also works like me. He talks to Ronaldo about his situation, then the coach will decide the squad," Scaloni emphasized.
The Argentine coach affirmed that Messi has never interfered in the professional decisions of the coaching staff.
“Throughout the years I've been here, Messi has never told me who should play or anything about the team. With him, I only discuss his own condition,” coach Scaloni said.
He also revealed that Messi still has to wait for the call-up decision like any other Argentine player before the 2026 World Cup.
Messi did not give any message or offer that he would participate in the 2026 World Cup, even though he has every right to do so," coach Scaloni affirmed.
