Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, emphasized his commitment to player safety ahead of upcoming international friendlies. He indicated that captain Lionel Messi, along with any players not at full fitness, will not be risked during these matches.
Upcoming Matches
The Albiceleste are scheduled to face Venezuela on October 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Following that, they will compete against Puerto Rico in Chicago on October 13.
Messi’s Fitness Under Scrutiny
- Messi has played seven matches in 21 days with Inter Miami.
- His participation in the friendly matches remains uncertain.
- Inter Miami has a crucial game against Atlanta United the day after the Venezuela match.
Despite securing a playoff spot for the 2025 MLS season, Inter Miami is competing for a favorable position on the Eastern Conference table. Scaloni stated, “The idea is not to risk anyone.”
Squad Decisions
Scaloni is set to assess the fitness levels of Messi and other players ahead of their international commitments. He acknowledged that while these matches are significant for the national team, they are still friendlies.
- Scaloni plans to test new players in these fixtures.
- He notes that every international match is an opportunity to integrate fresh talent.
Messi’s Performance This Season
This season, Lionel Messi has exhibited outstanding performance in the MLS, scoring 24 goals and providing 17 assists. He completed his first training session with Argentina on Tuesday at Inter Miami’s facilities in Fort Lauderdale.
Scaloni’s cautious approach aims to ensure that the squad remains healthy and prepared for the challenges ahead, particularly with next year’s World Cup on the horizon.
