Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has made it clear that he is not ready to 'risk' Lionel Messi or any other players' fitness in his squad in the upcoming international friendlies.
Argentina are pitted against Venezuela on Friday at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, followed by their next friendly match against Puerto Rico in Chicago on Oct. 13.
Even though the Albiceleste have already booked their spot in the World Cup next year, questions about captain Leo Messi's availability surface, irrespective of the magnitude of the matches.
The 38-year-old Argentina icon is under a busy schedule, having featured in seven games in 21 days for Inter Miami before teaming up with the national squad on Monday.
While they have already secured a place in the 2025 Major League Soccer playoffs, Messi-led Inter Miami are currently focused on claiming the top rank in the Eastern Conference table to earn a home-field advantage during the postseason.
The Herons' jam-packed schedule has led to doubts over Messi and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul playing against Venezuela, as Inter Miami have a crucial MLS regular-season match against Atlanta United just a day later.
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What did the Argentina boss say about Lionel Messi's availability in the upcoming friendlies?
Speaking ahead of the clash against Venezuela, Scaloni stated that a 'decision' on who will be included in the playing squad will be made after analysing how his players are and told reporters,
"We will take a decision, we will see how he [Messi] and the rest of the players are," as per ESPN.
"We are going to talk to him [Messi] and to the others. The idea is no to risk anyone. These are important games for the national team but there are friendlies. Whoever has a minor problem whether it's him or someone else, we are not going to take any risks whatsoever."
Scaloni also referred to the upcoming games as a 'unique opportunity,' to 'give a chance to new players,' and added,
"Naturally, we are going to try to give a chance to new players, to see if they can get on board. That is the idea -- to use these matches to try different players. We feel that every time there is an international match -- whether official or friendly -- it provides a unique opportunity."
Argentina were the first CONMEBOL team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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