Scaloni cautious with Messi on tour, World Cup squad questions remain | OneFootball

The October FIFA date is looming. With the squad already present in Miami, the Argentine National Team is preparing for the matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. In a press conference, coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that he will be cautious with Lionel Messi, who has a heavy match load with Inter Miami.

“We will talk with him and with everyone. The idea is not to risk anyone. These are friendly matches and the National Team is important, but if anyone has even a minor issue, in the case of Huevo (Marcos Acuña) as well, we will not risk anyone, but if they are fit, surely yes,” expressed the 47-year-old coach.

In 21 days, the captain of the Albiceleste played seven matches, in which he played all possible minutes, leading to the coach's caution. Nevertheless, he could start against the Vinotinto (Friday 10th at 9 PM) and then rotate against the Blue Hurricane (Monday 13th at 8 PM).

Additionally, Scaloni commented on the technical staff's plan for the upcoming friendlies: “We will try to see people we have brought to see how they are. They can get on board, as we always say, and that’s the idea, to take advantage of these matches to see them. Beyond having a base, I think these are nice matches to enjoy these guys.”

The call-up of the Pujato-born coach includes several surprise names, who could debut with the Albiceleste. They are Facundo Cambeses (Racing), Lautaro Rivero (River), Aníbal Moreno (Palmeiras), and José Manuel Flaco López (Palmeiras).

Finally, the coach reflected on the possible roster for the 2026 World Cup: “Beyond having the base, you never know what might happen. We have the experience of the previous World Cup, where players dropped out at the last moment. The lists can be of 23 (players), hopefully, it will be 26 as it seems it will be, but the slots are few. We are open to whatever comes. As new guys have come now, they will continue to come if we see it appropriate.”

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