Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will start in their international friendly against Zambia on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Messi came off the bench during Argentina’s 2-1 win over Mauritania, though the world champions struggled to find their rhythm last time out at La Bombonera.<\/p>\n
Mauritania won the expected goals (xG) battle 1.04 to 0.67, restricting Argentina to just one shot in the second half.<\/p>\n
The Argentina fans will be hoping Messi’s impact from the start will lead to a stronger performance in their final home game before their World Cup title defence.<\/p>\n
Messi scored the most goals in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying (eight) and also directly contributed to the most goals (11).<\/p>\n
The 38-year-old is yet to confirm whether he will be playing at the World Cup this summer, though Scaloni is ready to include the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in the squad.<\/p>\n
“Messi will start. I wanted to give Julian [Alvarez] a bit of rest and Nico Gonzalez too, to give a chance to other boys,” said Scaloni.<\/p>\n
“Let’s hope the team really shows the face we all want again.<\/p>\n
“If Messi decides to come to the World Cup, let him enjoy it, I won’t get tired of saying it, they are unforgettable moments.<\/p>\n
“Obviously, we know he competes. Everyone wants to see him train and play.<\/p>\n
“Let’s hope that people show up, it’s the last home game, to watch Leo play. A lot of kids are coming; we want people to go home happy.”<\/p>\n
Scaloni also spoke on Joaquin Panichelli, who is ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.<\/p>\n
The Strasbourg striker, who made his Argentina debut in November, has scored the most goals in Ligue 1 this season (16).<\/p>\n
“We will provide support to the young man who was left out of the World Cup due to injury,” added Scaloni.<\/p>\n
“We know what it means to be sidelined from the World Cup.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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