BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Lionel Messi will lead the Argentina national team onto the pitch at La Bombonera on Tuesday night as they face Zambia in a friendly match that serves as their final home game before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi’s inclusion in the starting lineup, signaling the importance he places on evaluating his squad ahead of the expanded tournament.
The match, kicking off at 8:30 PM local time (UTC-3), is more than just a friendly; it’s a crucial opportunity for Scaloni to assess player form and finalize his 26-man roster for the World Cup. Scaloni has openly stated that these friendlies, including a recent 2-1 victory over Mauritania, are being used to make demanding decisions about who will represent Argentina on the world stage. “The list of 26 players, I think we’re above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option,” Scaloni said, emphasizing the competitive nature of the squad selection process.
Messi’s Return to the Starting XI
Messi, who came on as a halftime substitute in the win against Mauritania, will earn his first start of the March international window. His presence is a significant boost for the reigning World Cup champions, both in terms of on-field quality and the excitement of the Argentine fans. Scaloni acknowledged the importance of Messi enjoying his time with the national team, even as the decision of his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains open. “The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it,” Scaloni stated.
Squad Assessment and World Cup Preparations
Scaloni intends to field a lineup largely composed of regular starters, aiming to refine details and build cohesion before the tournament. The team held a training match against the Argentina U-20 side at Ezeiza, winning 1-0 with a goal from José Manuel López, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate younger players and rotate the squad. This approach underscores Scaloni’s commitment to a thorough preparation process, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to defend their World Cup title.
The expected lineup features Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez in goal, with a defensive line of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández are set to anchor the midfield, providing a familiar and dynamic presence. Up front, Messi will be joined by Julián Álvarez, while the final attacking spot remains a point of contention between Thiago Almada and Nico Paz.
A Potential Farewell for Otamendi
Beyond the tactical considerations, the match carries emotional weight. It could potentially mark Nicolás Otamendi’s final appearance for Argentina in front of his home crowd. The veteran defender is expected to be honored before, during, or after the match, recognizing his significant contributions to the national team over the years. This adds another layer of significance to what is already a crucial fixture in Argentina’s World Cup preparations.
Scaloni’s Candid Assessment of Performance
Scaloni hasn’t shied away from acknowledging that recent performances haven’t been flawless. He noted that the 2-1 victory over Mauritania, a team ranked 115th in the FIFA rankings, could have served as a wake-up call. “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. This candid assessment highlights Scaloni’s commitment to holding his players accountable and ensuring that only those in peak form will earn a place in the final World Cup squad.
He further elaborated on his decision-making process, stating, “We will think about the good of the team and based on that we will make decisions. I’d say I have the list quite clear but if the performances aren’t adequate then we will take measures and then be convinced with the players we take to do the best possible job.” This suggests that while Scaloni has a core group of players in mind, he remains open to making changes based on their performances in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Argentina
Following the match against Zambia, Scaloni will have a difficult task of narrowing down his squad to the final 26 players. The decisions will be based on a combination of form, tactical fit, and the overall balance of the team. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is rapidly approaching, and Argentina will be looking to build on their success from the 2022 tournament. The team’s next confirmed action will be the announcement of the final World Cup roster, a moment eagerly anticipated by fans across the nation.
Argentina’s journey to defend their World Cup title continues, and the match against Zambia represents a vital step in that process. With Messi leading the charge, the team will aim to deliver a strong performance and send a clear message to their rivals: they are ready to compete for glory once again.
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