Scaloni confirms Messi as a starter and discusses his future with the national team

Lionel Messi will be a starter for the first time in 2025 with the Argentina National Team, as Lionel Scaloni confirmed in a press conference that lasted just over 40 minutes.

The national team coach confirmed Messi's return to the starting line-up, after he came off the bench in the match against Chile: "Leo will start, we have no doubts and we hope people enjoy him and the team".

"The team is currently at a point where it can play the same way with or without Leo. Before, it might have been a bit more complex because several players had to be changed. Today, we don't have that need and the team works the same", added the World Cup-winning coach.

"If this is the best moment, I wouldn't know how to say. After Copa América 2021, we've had good matches, like with Bolivia. It depends on the match and we don't analyze whether it's the best moment or not. But we've maintained a consistent approach, which is the most important thing and what gives us the most peace of mind", Scaloni concluded.

Scaloni spoke about the future with the Argentina National Team

Lionel Scaloni also confirmed that Inter Milan contacted Walter Samuel to offer him a position on the new coaching staff led by Cristian Chivu, but the former defender decided to turn down the offer.

Meanwhile, when asked if he himself received offers during his tenure as head coach, Scaloni replied with a joke, although he hinted that there were indeed some. He also recalled that his contract with the Argentina National Team is valid until the 2026 World Cup.

Is Argentina the best national team in the world?

Scaloni was asked whether he considers Argentina to be the best national team in the world right now. Although he avoided making comparisons, he answered the question directly, but clarified that "the debate doesn't make much sense".