Scaloni on Messi’s availability, two possible debuts against Venezuela | OneFootball

This Friday, October 10 at 9:00 PM at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the Argentina National Team will play a friendly match against Venezuela, as part of a new FIFA date, the first since the conclusion of the South American Qualifiers. For this match, Lionel Messi’s presence has not yet been confirmed, and it is possible that several of the surprise call-ups will make their debut in the sky blue and white jersey.

Regarding the captain’s availability, the coach gave only a few hints: “We have spoken with him. We haven’t decided on the team yet. These are matches to try things out and see, but we’ll talk to him and decide today. I’d like to try different alternatives because these matches are for that purpose.” He then commented on the possibility of Messi playing with Inter Miami during the international window against Atlanta United: “I’m going to talk to him this afternoon and then we’ll see. I don’t have much more to say. We’ll see.”

Additionally, the coach spoke about the chance for the Palmeiras call-ups to make their debut: “I’ve had Aníbal in the U-20s. He was always more of an 8 than a 5, but for some time now he’s been playing more of a holding role and he’s doing very well. We value him a lot. And José (López) has taken an important step forward after being called up. He’s realized he’s good, that he can play well, and that he has interesting qualities. He needs to believe it, that’s important. Another player who will surely get some minutes and is gradually becoming part of the National Team.”

Lautaro Rivero was also a key name mentioned at the press conference, about whom the Pujato-born coach highlighted the “good feelings” he’s leaving, his “very good” potential, and that he will surely have the chance to wear the albiceleste in this FIFA window.

“The main idea is to keep playing as a team. The squad list won’t be decided until the end. We have quite a few spots filled, we’re over the theoretical 26-player list. They’ll have to earn their place in these matches. Whoever gets to play, must show that they belong.” the coach said regarding his intentions for this week.

Finally, Scaloni commented that Emiliano Dibu Martínez is fit for the match against La Vinotinto, that he did some separate training, but is now available. On the other hand, Marcos Acuña will not set foot on the pitch, as the coaching staff decided “not to risk him”, since he arrived at the call-up with a problem that required him to do a complete separate training routine.

After the match against Venezuela, Argentina will face Puerto Rico next Tuesday, October 14 at 8:00 PM, at Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago, a match that will mark the end of the international window.

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