Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will start and Alexis Mac Allister could miss out.

Lionel Messi will start for Argentina against Venezuela in what is set to be his last World Cup qualifying match at home. Alexis Mac Allister had travel delays and did not train the entire week with the team as he is not expected to start. According to ESPN Argentina, Scaloni has one doubt in the starting line-up.

Gio Lo Celso has constantly been part of the Argentina national team under Lionel Scaloni but Scaloni did mention during his press conference on Wednesday that it is possible for Franco Mastantuono or Nico Paz to get some playing time. Here is the rumored eleven:

Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Almada; Nico Paz or Lo Celso or Mastantuono; Messi and Julián Álvarez.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has commented on the possibility of Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz getting some minutes with the team.

The Argentina national team will play Venezuela on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier and the coach spoke about the possibility of the younger players getting some minutes. Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will start against Venezuela and here is what he had to say about Mastantuono and Nico Paz:

“The idea is to put out the best team but at the same time give an opportunity to a young player so they can play. Fortunately, the team is in a position to do that without compromising anything, while still trying to play the best match possible.

“Mastantuono? Yes, it could be a possibility. There’s also Nico Paz, who I believe already played against Chile. He showed that he can be up to the level to contribute, and he could be part of the team. That’s one of the ideas I might have in mind, and we’ll finalize that today. But really, the only way to know is by putting these kids on the pitch.

“And we shouldn’t forget the age they are, that’s important. No matter what happens in the matches, we have to value that these are players who will give us a lot in the future as well.”

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has confirned that Lionel Messi will start against Venezuela.

Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Wednesday and confirmed that Lionel Messi will be in the starting eleven. Here is what he had to say:

“He will start and he will also travel to Ecuador for the second game, like everyone else unless something happens.”

Scaloni also spoke about it potentially being Messi’s last game in Argentina:

“Tomorrow will be an emotional match. If it’s true that it’s the last game of the qualifiers, then it’s going to be special.

“For what I played with him, and having him as a teammate and giving him the ball was something wonderful. Then, being at a World Cup and seeing him win it is exciting. Over time, this will be even more appreciated.

“Maybe tomorrow won’t be his last match in Argentina, because we’ll try to play another one in the future because he deserves it. When he enters the training ground, he has something I haven’t seen in anyone else and that’s what he brings as a person. It has been and continues to be a pleasure to coach him, because he is here today and we have to enjoy it.

“We want the fans who come to the stadium to enjoy the moment. Since what was won, something special has been created between the people and the players. We want the fans to continue celebrating like this and hopefully it will last forever.”