Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will start in their international friendly against Zambia on Tuesday.
Messi came off the bench during Argentina's 2-1 win over Mauritania, though the world champions struggled to find their rhythm last time out at La Bombonera.
Mauritania won the expected goals (xG) battle 1.04 to 0.67, restricting Argentina to just one shot in the second half.
The Argentina fans will be hoping Messi's impact from the start will lead to a stronger performance in their final home game before their World Cup title defence.
Messi scored the most goals in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying (eight) and also directly contributed to the most goals (11).
The 38-year-old is yet to confirm whether he will be playing at the World Cup this summer, though Scaloni is ready to include the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in the squad.
"Messi will start. I wanted to give Julian [Alvarez] a bit of rest and Nico Gonzalez too, to give a chance to other boys," said Scaloni.
"Let's hope the team really shows the face we all want again.
"If Messi decides to come to the World Cup, let him enjoy it, I won't get tired of saying it, they are unforgettable moments.
"Obviously, we know he competes. Everyone wants to see him train and play.
"Let's hope that people show up, it's the last home game, to watch Leo play. A lot of kids are coming; we want people to go home happy."
Scaloni also spoke on Joaquin Panichelli, who is ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.
The Strasbourg striker, who made his Argentina debut in November, has scored the most goals in Ligue 1 this season (16).
"We will provide support to the young man who was left out of the World Cup due to injury," added Scaloni.
"We know what it means to be sidelined from the World Cup."
visiklnpty
0
,,I can't wait to see my boy again
ChelseaGreatest
0
Hatrick loading for the GOAT
giftxxxia
0
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
you fucker don't think you brave but foolish in mind how can you fool my country
Jehbcelotz
0
GOAT
[image]
I never realized he does really look like an ugly goat
Jehbcelotz
0
Messi... : the only player who has the right to decide whether to go to the world Cup or not.... for other players... they try their best to impress their coaches ant technical staff who will decide if they go or not.... Legend.
Sadly true. None sense. No one should have that power. Will be glad when he cost you the world and when the psg boy give Martinez a 5-0 humiliation
Siyabmnprs
0
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
Where his from
Jehbcelotz
1
Panichelli absence is way more important than if old goat plays the World Cup or not
Rezampruy
0
The real goat
Tanwelljr
0
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
Shut up if you donβt know what youβre saying
Vonbceklot
3
Messi... : the only player who has the right to decide whether to go to the world Cup or not.... for other players... they try their best to impress their coaches ant technical staff who will decide if they go or not.... Legend.
Tocilostyz
0
aaand that's why you an illiterate idiot!
And it's why you are a failed abortion
miudeilmy
1
Just because you don't study Geography doesn't mean a country is not good enough. If you really have been watching football for a while, you may know that Zambia has history in football β½οΈ
lenackmnp
0
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
aaand that's why you an illiterate idiot!
suybimorty
0
he never had it hardπ
Tocilostyz
0
an idiot who doesn't know his geography.
get lost, geography is not mine
markavelly192
0
when he sees an easy team to score, he want to start!!!!
Foolish comment
Richforever17
2
Save this here
Yibadelrst
0
shitttSDS matches
voebeipsuy
0
Zambia will win on behalf of cr7
0 World cups ronaldo?
voebeipsuy
0
Zambia will win on behalf of cr7
Fool
voebeipsuy
0
Zambia 3 Argentina 2
π€‘π€‘
voebeipsuy
0
Zambia 3 Argentina 2
Fool
voebeipsuy
0
when he sees an easy team to score, he want to start!!!!
That last match was easy too you hater π€‘π€‘
Fezbeklmoy
1
when he sees an easy team to score, he want to start!!!!
lenackmnp
1
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
an idiot who doesn't know his geography.
AmoG5150
3
Zambia 3 Argentina 2
bedcdepuz
0
only playing against unknown people
Kikeklmptz
0
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
is just a warm up for world cup. dont waste energy, keep it for WC
Kikeklmptz
1
why playing weak teams?
tokcilotuz
1
Zambia will win on behalf of cr7
Tocilostyz
0
If you have no comment, sometimes just keep quiet brother. Why are you fooling us Zambians?
You are the one who don't have comment, stfu & mind your business
cioadklyz
0
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
If you have no comment, sometimes just keep quiet brother. Why are you fooling us Zambians?
cuuaceiosy
1
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
koswe iwe
Tocilostyz
0
In your house
In your house..? Commenting on empty stomach... Sleep you failed abortion π₯π₯
tuycinrsyz
1
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
In your house
Tocilostyz
2
Messi target those unknown opponents, no wonder why he's a Liga 1 flop, living in Mbappe's shadow & ghosting in MLS... Even where's Zambia in the world π map.?
munyenso
2
Zambians are just joking they can't play with The might world champions
Zambia is a footballing nation,you and your ancestors will be shocked.
Cizcdikpty
1
Chipolopolo against the goat..let's just organise the correct bullets,you never know
Hezabklosy
1
The mouthwatering game to watch. We are just going to enjoy it, no matter the goals.
Femkmnrtu
1
Zambians are just joking they can't play with The might world champions
Ssemakulajr
0
play for Zambia
Humaensyz
2
GOAT