Lionel Messi questionable for World Cup Qualifier vs Chile, according to Argentina HC Lionel Scaloni

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed that Lionel Messi isn’t confirmed to play against Chile for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying match on Thursday. While the Inter Miami star isn’t injured, Scaloni hasn’t decided if Messi is going to be in the starting lineup.

“I talked to him, and we are still in contact. We haven’t decided yet if he will start in the match or not. I need to talk to him to understand his physical condition,” Scaloni said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“Today, we are in a position to try different things. Initially, he is ready to play, and we’ll see after that. He is coming off a good match, and we’ll make a decision soon,” he added.

Messi is returning to international duty after seven months of absence. He last played with La Albiceleste back in November in a 1-0 win against Peru. However, Messi then suffered a muscle strain that kept him out of the matches against Brazil and Uruguay, in which Argentina clinched their World Cup ticket.

Lionel Scaloni head coach of Argentina (L) talks with Lionel Messi prior to a training session (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Scaloni is forced to put a different lineup

With the qualification secured, Scaloni has room to try new players, such as 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, who received his first call for the national team. For this match, he will have to, as six of his usual starters won’t be available to play due to suspension or injury.

see also

Lionel Messi’s new teammate: Who is the 17-year-old sensation worth $45M called up to Argentina?

Among those, Nicolas Otamendi, as well as Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes or Alexis Mac Allister. Meanwhile, Scaloni already confirmed that Giovanni Lo Celso will also be out due to a muscle discomfort.

Messi is coming from a strong start with Miami

While Inter Miami have struggled with results in the start of the season, Lionel Messi hasn’t stopped being productive. The No. 10 has scored 15 goals for his club, as well as providing five assists.

Messi scored a brace against Montreal in Miami’s 5-1 win on Saturday. He also scored two goals in The Herons’ 4-2 triumph against Montreal on Wednesday, playing the 90 minutes in the two matches. He hasn’t missed minutes since April, when he wasn’t called up to play against Dallas.