Lionel Messi is ready to characteristic in his last two CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers with Argentina. Regardless that the Albiceleste have already clinched qualification, the captain is predicted to go all out in pursuit of two extra wins. Nevertheless, for Thursday’s conflict in opposition to Venezuela, Messi might be and not using a key Premier League teammate.
For the September worldwide break, head coach Lionel Scaloni named a squad filled with the standard stars, utilizing the window to fine-tune the group that can head to the 2026 World Cup. Messi joined the staff for coaching on Tuesday, however notable absences included common starters Nicolas Otamendi and Alexis Mac Allister.
When requested at Tuesday’s press convention concerning the lineup in opposition to Venezuela, Scaloni gave an replace on each gamers. “Otamendi didn’t practice yesterday as a result of he had some minor points, however in precept he must be accessible at this time,” the coach acknowledged.
Nevertheless, Scaloni then revealed a setback for the Liverpool midfielder, a fixture in Argentina’s midfield. “As for Alexis, he received’t participate within the match in opposition to Venezuela as a result of he arrived late and couldn’t practice. Hopefully we will have him, a minimum of on the bench, and depend on him if we’d like him sooner or later.”
Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates after scoring the staff’s third purpose in the course of the South of American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil.
Mac Allister performed 61 minutes in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday earlier than flying to Argentina to affix the nationwide staff. In accordance with Diario Olé, flight delays meant he solely arrived Tuesday evening, leaving him with only one coaching session earlier than Thursday’s qualifier.
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Thursday’s matchup with Venezuela has drawn particular consideration after Messi admitted will probably be his last qualifier on Argentine soil. “It’s going to be a really particular match for me as a result of it’s the final qualifier. I don’t know if there’ll be a pleasant afterward, however sure, it’s a really particular recreation,” he stated, constructing anticipation for native followers wanting to see the Inter Miami star, who now faces the problem of changing Mac Allister.
Scaloni and the plan to make use of younger stars
With Mac Allister sidelined and Enzo Fernandez unavailable as a consequence of suspension, Scaloni might want to reshuffle his midfield. Luckily, Argentina’s roster consists of a number of promising younger gamers able to step in.
Scaloni defined his pondering when requested concerning the staff choice: “The thought is at all times to place out one of the best staff, but additionally, if attainable, to offer a younger participant the chance to play. Luckily, we’re ready to do this with out compromising something, and at all times aiming to play our greatest recreation. The staff is able to make these small changes, to usher in children who’re pushing for probabilities, and that’s the plan.”
The coach closed by stressing that Wednesday’s session can be decisive. “We’ll finalize it at this time as a result of yesterday we skilled with solely half the gamers, since many had performed on Sunday, and at this time will probably be a extra full session centered 100% on tomorrow’s match,” he concluded.
