Scaloni confirmed Messi as a starter against Venezuela and highlighted his special match

Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Argentina National Team, confirmed news that many had been waiting for: Lionel Messi will be in the starting line-up for Thursday's match against Venezuela, corresponding to the penultimate round of the South American Qualifiers on the road to the World Cup.

In the usual press conference before each World Cup qualifying match, the coach referred to what the Rosario star had previously said: "Based on what Leo said, it's going to be a special match, emotional, beautiful. If it's true that it'll be his last one here in the Qualifiers, we have to enjoy it and I'll be the first to do so. It's a pleasure to have him and let's hope that the people who go to the stadium and he himself enjoy it because he deserves it".

The team, Dibu, and his current situation with the National Team

Regarding the team, Scaloni confirmed Nicolás Otamendi's availability, while Alexis Mac Allister will probably not be in the starting eleven. He also anticipated that some young players could appear on the draft list. "The drafts are not about searching for something, but about merit according to what we see. These boys show that they can be here and contribute", he explained.

Regarding the players who will travel to Ecuador for the last round of the Qualifiers, he assured that everyone will do so except for those with injuries or suspensions. He also spoke about Emiliano Dibu Martínez's situation after his transfer to Manchester United fell through: "We'll see if Dibu loses playing time at his club, we're not going to get ahead of ourselves. We want him to play. But it's not my decision. We'll see".

Finally, Scaloni reiterated that he is living his current situation with the National Team "normally", with a contract in force until December 2026, and did not rule out a possible future renewal, although he stated that his focus is on the upcoming matches.