Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi is set to start in the upcoming friendly match against Zambia. The highly anticipated game will take place on Tuesday night at La Bombonera. Scaloni stated, "Yes, I think he'll start from the beginning tomorrow [against Zambia]," indicating Messi's first start of the March international window after being utilized as a halftime substitute in Argentina's recent 2-1 victory over Mauritania on March 27, also held at La Bombonera.

These international friendlies against Mauritania and Zambia are critical for Scaloni, who intends to use them to finalize the 26-player roster for the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup. The manager emphasized the importance of individual player performance in these evaluations, stating, "The list of 26 players [for the World Cup], I think we're above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option." This rigorous approach underscores Scaloni's commitment to assembling the strongest possible squad.

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, recently secured a narrow 2-1 win against Mauritania, a lower-ranked opponent (115th in FIFA rankings) with no prior World Cup qualifications. Scaloni viewed this match as a potential "alert," acknowledging that such performances prompt a head coach to re-evaluate and make necessary adjustments. He reiterated his focus on the team's best interests: "We will consider the team's best interests and make decisions accordingly. 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."

While Messi has not yet made a final decision regarding his participation in the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni expressed a collective hope from the nation for his involvement. "The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoys 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," Scaloni remarked, highlighting the desire for Messi to savor what could be his final appearance on the world stage. He further added, "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."

Argentina, who have claimed the World Cup title in 1978, 1986, and 2022, is scheduled to commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Group J in Kansas City. Following this, they will face Austria on June 22 and conclude their group stage matches against Jordan on June 27, as they aim to defend their coveted title.