Scaloni discusses Messi’s chances of featuring against Puerto Rico

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·13 October 2025

Scaloni discusses Messi’s chances of featuring against Puerto Rico

After the 1-0 victory over Venezuela, the Argentinian National Team will complete its friendly tour in the United States when this Tuesday at 21:00 they face Puerto Rico at the Chase Stadium in Miami. Before the last training session, coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference and referred to the presence of Lionel Messi, who returned to the squad after playing -and scoring a double- with Inter Miami against Atlanta United in the MLS.

"I saw him play on Saturday, as I imagine most did. He finished well, as far as I know, I haven't spoken to him yet. We have the last training session and I will talk to him. If he is fit, he will play tomorrow," the coach stated to the media. "We'll see if he's ready to start or play some minutes. If he has returned to be with us, it's because he will have minutes, but I couldn't tell you how many," he added later.

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Another name he confirmed was Emiliano Martínez, who was in goal against the Vinotinto and will do so again against the Puerto Rican team. "Emiliano always wants to play, like everyone, and that's very good. Surely he will be in goal tomorrow as well. He has made an effort to come after a little calf problem. In November, we will surely try something else," he assured.

Additionally, he predicted that some of the newer players in the squad will get minutes. "Some of the new players will play tomorrow, that's the idea. We believe they deserve it and it's a nice match for us to see them. It's a great opportunity for them to show their worth and if we can continue counting on them," he said, emphasizing José Manuel López. "El Flaco hasn't surprised us because we've been following him for a while, but in recent months he has made significant progress. He is a great player and can give even more. We are happy with his contribution. If everything goes well tomorrow, he will have his chance to play and wear his National Team's jersey," he added.

Scaloni and his talk with Mastantuono

One of the players left out for this double friendly date was Franco Mastantuono, a Real Madrid forward, who got injured during one of the training sessions and returned to Spain. "Franco will gradually give us more and more. We had a talk before he returned to Madrid. I think he is maturing and taking the steps that an 18-year-old should take, without rushing, which is the most important thing. He will have the importance we believe and need to give him in the matches. He is capable of playing and giving us his football," he expressed.

More quotes from Scaloni at the press conference

"For the next date, it will be more or less the same. There is Argentine football, and we take that into account, we'll see what we do when the time comes because it's a long trip and dialogue will be prioritized, but in principle, we would repeat, although we are open to new players. Those who would join are because they can contribute more. We look for them to play well, be good people, but the main thing is that they play well and understand the football we play."
Regarding the statements from Matías Soulé's representative: "Soulé is on the radar like many other players who can contribute. Also Buonanotte, Garnacho, Carboni. We see them with a future in the National Team and we will call them up as long as we see they have the possibility."

Scaloni spoke about Soulé after his representative's statements

"The level of Concacaf is good. We believe there are no easy matches, we know that very well. Last year, the friendly we played, we started losing against a tough opponent, it became complicated. It's all about how you approach the match. They are National Teams and have the best from each country."
"I don't see it that way with Mexico, I have great respect, they have a huge football structure, a great National Team. It's much talked about in the press and on social media, but they are two historic teams that want to win, I don't think it's more than that."
"I don't know anything about the Finalissima, about everything that's coming out. I asked our people and we have no knowledge of the matter, there's nothing."
The role of the U-20 in the World Cup: "I don't know about the other teams, but there is work being done in the youth teams, from Bernardo (Romeo), Placente, Pablo Quiroga, Chino Garcé, everyone working in the youth teams is doing it out of love for the jersey, wanting the kids to learn and it's enviable. Beyond the result, they are doing what one asks of them, giving their all and one day having the opportunity to play with the Senior Team."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.