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Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will be in Argentina’s starting line-up against Zambia on Tuesday, as the world champions complete their final home friendly before defending the World Cup title. Supporters expect a stronger display with Messi involved from kick-off in Buenos Aires.

Messi, now 38, finished CONMEBOL qualifying as top scorer with eight goals and led the charts for direct goal contributions with 11. Messi has not yet stated whether participation in the upcoming World Cup is certain, but Scaloni plans to select the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Argentina will face Zambia after a laboured 2-1 victory over Mauritania at La Bombonera, where the performance raised questions. Mauritania created the better chances, winning the expected goals contest 1.04 to 0.67 and limiting Argentina to a single effort on target during the second half.

Reflecting on his selection and rotation plans, Scaloni explained why Messi will return to the starting side while some regulars rest. “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.

Scaloni underlined Messi’s influence on and off the pitch, and also the importance of the occasion for fans. “Let’s hope the team really shows the face we all want again. 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. Obviously, we know he competes. Everyone wants to see him train and play. 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.”

Lionel Messi Argentina World Cup squad concerns and injury update

While attention centres on Messi and Zambia, Scaloni also addressed a setback for Joaquin Panichelli. The Strasbourg forward, who first played for Argentina in November, will miss the World Cup because of a knee injury after scoring 16 Ligue 1 goals this season.

Scaloni stressed that the group will stand behind the 23-year-old striker during recovery. “We will provide support to the young man who was left out of the World Cup due to injury,” added Scaloni. “We know what it means to be sidelined from the World Cup.”

Key numbers from this international window and the season highlight both Argentina’s mixed form and individual displays. Messi leads South American qualifying charts, Mauritania’s xG advantage exposed issues, and Panichelli’s domestic scoring stands out.

As Argentina close their home schedule against Zambia, the focus rests on improving fluency, giving minutes to squad players and monitoring fitness. Messi’s confirmed start, Panichelli’s injury absence and the team’s recent display against Mauritania frame the final preparations before the World Cup defence.

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