Despite being in optimal physical condition, it was jointly decided that the Rosario star would enter in the second half
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After missing the last double round of Qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a muscle injury, Lionel Messi is back with the Argentina National Team. The captain will wear the Albiceleste jersey again tonight, starting at 10:00 p.m., in the match against Chile for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. However, the big news is that he won't be among the starting eleven.
The decision for Messi not to start is not related to his physical condition. According to reports, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni saw him at full strength during the training sessions held this week at the Ezeiza complex. Still, by mutual agreement, they decided that he would start on the bench and come on during the second half.
La decisión para que salga desde el banco fue mutua
The main reason is the intense activity he recently accumulated at Inter Miami. In just over a month, he played eight consecutive matches between MLS and Concachampions, all as a starter, and scored six goals. For that reason, they chose to manage his workload and allow him to recover energy before his return to the field.
Additionally, with qualification for the World Cup already secured, Scaloni will take the opportunity to test options in the attack and give minutes to young players with great potential, such as Nico Paz, Thiago Almada, and Giuliano Simeone. "Today we're in a position to try other things," the coach had anticipated at a press conference on Wednesday.
In the conversation between Messi and Scaloni, it was also decided that he will be a starter next Tuesday, starting at 9:00 p.m., against Colombia at Estadio Monumental. This way, the Rosario native will reunite with the Argentine fans in another night that promises strong emotions.
Messi volverá a ser titular frente a Colombia
The Argentina National Team's starting XI to face Chile
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, and Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfielders: Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, and Thiago Almada
