Scaloni Explains Messi’s Absence and Announces New Players for Puerto Rico Match
Lionel Messi Takes a Backseat as Argentina Triumphs Over Venezuela
Scaloni’s Strategy Behind Messi’s Absence
Lionel Messi was conspicuously absent from Argentina’s national team during their friendly match against Venezuela. Watching from the stands with his family, Messi enjoyed the game with a smile, occasionally sipping mate. Speculation surrounded his absence, especially with an imminent match against Inter Miami on Saturday.
Post-match, coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the decision in a brief press conference, stating, “I decided Messi wouldn’t play today.” Scaloni cited an interest in testing players such as Lautaro and Julián, with Flaco López available on the bench. This move was purely tactical, despite earlier rumors suggesting Inter Miami’s desire to keep Messi rested for their critical clash with Atlanta United in the MLS regular season.
Future Prospects: Messi Against Puerto Rico
When asked about Messi’s potential participation in the upcoming match against Puerto Rico, Scaloni remained cautious, mentioning, “We’ll see how things unfold; we hope he can play.” Scaloni confirmed the opportunity would be used to allow several new players to gain valuable experience.
The decision to rest Messi was partly driven by a schedule change. The match against Puerto Rico, initially slated for Monday in Chicago, was relocated to Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium due to escalating violence in Illinois. This shift provided Messi with extra downtime, which influenced Scaloni’s strategic adjustments.
Highlights from the Venezuela Match
Despite missing their star player, Argentina showcased both established players and emerging talents. Marcos Senesi, Gio Lo Celso, Nico Paz, and Leo Balerdi were among those given a chance to shine. Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match against Puerto Rico, Scaloni emphasized that “all the new guys will get their chance,” providing an opportunity to evaluate their potential for future national team commitments.
Scaloni is keen on assessing how new players adapt to the team’s strategic methodology. “It’s crucial to see how they integrate. Marcos Senesi performed well today. Although they haven’t trained extensively with us, they understand the fundamental concepts,” Scaloni noted, focusing on physical readiness for the World Cup.
The Road Ahead
Among the players included in the current squad but yet to feature prominently are River Plate’s young defender, Lautaro Rivero, along with Palmeiras duo Aníbal Moreno and José Manuel López. Scaloni remains focused on identifying promising talent that can contribute to Argentina’s success in future tournaments.
The developmental path paved in these friendlies is less about immediate challenges and more about scouting and preparing players for international success. As Emegypt reports, the larger goal is to ensure physical and strategic readiness ahead of the World Cup, despite the dense fixture schedules faced by key players like Messi.
