Will Lionel Messi Feature? Scaloni Breaks Silence, Press Conference Turns Emotional

Last Updated:March 31, 2026, 3:02 pm IST

Lionel Messi all set to start for Argentina vs Zambia as Scaloni confirms lineup and reacts to Joaquin Panichelli FIFA World Cup injury blow.

Lionel Messi reacts after scoring during the second half of an MLS match against New York City (Picture credit: AP)

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has said that Messi will feature in the friendly against Zambia this evening at the La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. After coming on as a second-half substitute in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Mauritania, Messi is all set for his first start of the March internationals.

But the camp has been hit by a major setback: 23-year-old forward Joaquin Panichelli tore his cruciate ligaments in training on Thursday. The Strasbourg star, who has 16 Ligue 1 goals this season, had emerged as Argentina’s primary No.9 backup to Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez for the World Cup.

Scaloni spoke about the professional demands of building a championship-ready team, stressing that no footballer’s place is guaranteed by reputation alone. He cited the underwhelming performance against Mauritania as a benchmark for the high standards required before finalising the 26-man FIFA World Cup roster.

“Yes, I think he (Messi) will start from the beginning tomorrow [against Zambia]. The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoys being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I would not dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it,” Scaloni said.

“I think it isn’t just Argentines who want to see him (Messi); everyone wants to see him. They want to see him train, see him play and that is what we all wish for,” Scaloni added.

The press conference turned emotional when he was asked about Panichelli’s injury. Scaloni revealed that the young forward visited the training ground after learning his diagnosis, a gesture that touched the coaching staff.

Overcome with emotion, Scaloni ended the session while reflecting on Panichelli’s character and the heartbreak of his missing the FIFA World Cup.

“It is very difficult… We have spoken with him. He even took the trouble to come to the training facility after they gave him the result. He could have stayed at the hotel in peace, but he came here and asked to speak with us,” Scaloni said.

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