Argentina's national team coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will play in the friendly against Angola this Friday in Luanda. While he did not specify if Messi will start, he anticipated that many World Cup champions will participate. The match will serve to test new players amid absences due to injuries and health requirements.
In a press conference ahead of the match, Scaloni assured that Messi will participate, though he has not yet defined his exact role. "Messi will play in principle, I don't know how many minutes; we'll see. But people will be able to see him," the coach stated. However, another source indicates that Messi will start, alongside several World Cup champions in a trusted team that has played together extensively.
The friendly, the only one in this FIFA date and the last of the year, will take place in Luanda at 1 PM Argentine time. Scaloni highlighted the match's importance for observing new call-ups, replacing absences such as Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, who is resting after his suspension in October 2024. Other absences include Enzo Fernández due to injury and Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, and Giuliano Simeone, who could not get vaccinated for travel to Angola.
In goal, Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez will have a chance; Rulli has six caps for Argentina and Benítez one. The defense features Lisandro Martínez, Kevin Mac Allister, Cristian 'Cuti' Romero, Juan Foyth, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Valentín Barco. The midfield includes Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Máximo Perrone, and Nicolás Paz. In attack, besides Messi and Lautaro Martínez, there are Nicolás González, José Manuel López, Prestianni, and Panichelli.
Scaloni warned about Angola: "They have good attacking players, tall center-backs with strong aerial play." The opponent, which did not qualify for the World Cup but recently beat Cameroon, is celebrating its independence anniversary. The coach emphasized: "In football, superiority must be demonstrated on the pitch." The delegation received a warm welcome in Africa, filling the team with satisfaction.