Scaloni exercises caution with Messi on tour as World Cup squad remains undecided
The Argentina National Team is gearing up for two friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. These encounters are set to take place in Miami, with the squad already present as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA dates in October.
Scaloni’s Caution with Messi Ahead of Friendlies
Coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed a cautious approach regarding Lionel Messi, who has recently played an extensive number of matches with Inter Miami. In a recent press conference, Scaloni stated, “We are going to talk to him and everyone else. The idea is not to risk anyone.”
Match Schedule
The team is set to face La Vinotinto on Friday, October 10, at 9 PM, followed by a match against El Huracán Azul on Monday, October 13, at 8 PM. Scaloni mentioned that while Messi could likely start against Venezuela, the strategy may involve rotating players in the second match to manage their load effectively.
Focus on Player Evaluation
Scaloni’s rationale for evaluating the squad during these friendlies revolves around gaining insights into the newer players. He noted, “These are nice matches to enjoy these guys.” He emphasized the importance of assessing potential talents who could be part of the future national setup.
New Faces in the Squad
The upcoming friendlies feature several surprising call-ups, including:
- Facundo Cambeses (Racing)
- Lautaro Rivero (River)
- Aníbal Moreno (Palmeiras)
- José Manuel Flaco López (Palmeiras)
World Cup Roster Considerations
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Scaloni reflected on the uncertainty surrounding player selections. He indicated that, while there is a core group, injuries and other developments might affect the roster. He stated, “We have the experience of the previous World Cup, where players dropped out at the last minute.” He also mentioned that the squad could consist of 23 players, or potentially increase to 26, depending on future regulations.
Scaloni remains open to incorporating new players, emphasizing that talent evaluation during the friendlies will play a crucial role in shaping the final squad for the World Cup.
