Scaloni Confirms Argentina Vs Zambia Lineup — Messi to Start as Coach Leaves Press Conference in Tears

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi will start in Tuesday’s friendly at La Bombonera in the argentina vs zambia fixture as Argentina works to finalise its 26-man World Cup roster. Scaloni said the captain will “start from the beginning” after coming on as a substitute in the win over Mauritania. The coach also cut short his press conference in tears after revealing a devastating training injury to a rising striker.

Argentina Vs Zambia: Messi returns to the starting XI

Scaloni told staff and media that Messi, who was used as a second-half substitute in the narrow 2-1 victory over Mauritania, will lead the side from the start in the friendly at La Bombonera. The manager framed the selection as part of a final evaluation period as the coaching staff closes in on a 26-player World Cup list, saying the camp must now “start discarding options based on performance. ”

Scaloni on selection, standards and the World Cup question

Scaloni made clear that no player’s spot is guaranteed solely on reputation. “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, ” he said, pointing to the team’s lacklustre showing against Mauritania as a yardstick for selection. On Messi’s wider role, Scaloni said: “The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoy being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I wouldn’t dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it. I think it’s not just Argentines who want to see him, everyone wants to see him. They want to see him train, see him play, and that is what we all wish for. ” These comments reinforced the view that Messi’s participation must be driven by his own readiness and enjoyment of the tournament.

Panichelli injury prompts emotional response from coach

The mood inside the camp changed when Scaloni addressed the serious injury suffered by 23-year-old Joaquín Panichelli, a Strasbourg forward who has scored 16 goals in Ligue 1 this season. Scaloni said Panichelli tore his cruciate ligaments in training, a blow that removed one of the primary No. 9 alternatives to Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez for the World Cup. The manager described Panichelli’s visit to the training ground after receiving his diagnosis as profoundly moving, and became overwhelmed while praising the striker’s character: “It’s very difficult… We’ve spoken with him. He even took the trouble to come to the training facility after they gave him the result. He could have stayed at the hotel in peace, but he came here and asked to speak with us. It was very emotional, and everything he said was absolutely right—he didn’t deserve it. ” Scaloni added, “I’ll say it again: he didn’t deserve this—no one does, but him especially. He’s a hard worker; he’d earned it. That’s what I told him: he’ll get another chance. ”

What’s next for the squad and the argentina vs zambia friendly

Scaloni indicated the friendly will be used as a final filter for form and fitness as the staff narrows options for the World Cup squad. Expect Messi to start and for performance, not reputation, to shape the last choices. The team will move forward from Panichelli’s injury while deciding which players to retain and which to leave out as they approach the crucial selection deadline and upcoming fixtures tied to the World Cup campaign.