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Lionel Scaloni speaks at press conference, uncertain if Messi will start vs. Chile

Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke on Wednesday at a press conference ahead of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Chile in Santiago.

Scaloni surprised many by admitting that he is still unsure whether Lionel Messi is fully fit, and that the coaching staff is still evaluating whether he will start:

“We haven’t decided yet if he’ll start the match. It would be good to know how he’s doing physically. It’s clear that we’re in a position now where we can try other things. Initially, he’s ready to play — but we’ll assess. He had a good match last Saturday. For now, he’s available, and we’ll make a final decision soon.”

With several players suspended or injured, assembling the starting eleven hasn’t been easy. Scaloni commented on the situation:

“There will be a lot of absences, especially in the midfield. I haven’t confirmed the lineup yet because that will depend on training. But we’ll give a chance to players who haven’t had many minutes. It’s their moment to play.”

He also addressed the broader approach to the match:

“The result is always important, but right now we believe it’s not the most crucial thing. We’ll aim for the players to gel and have the chance to gain experience with the national team.”

On the absence of Alexis Mac Allister and Giovani Lo Celso, Scaloni explained:

“Alexis was on the list, but he’s been dealing with some lingering issues over the past year. We decided with him that it was best to rest. Fortunately, we’re not in a position where we need to take risks with players, so we agreed he should recover fully for what’s ahead. That’s why we called up Barrenechea and Buendía.”


“Lo Celso also arrived with an issue and likely won’t feature in either of the two matches. We need to focus on getting him back to full fitness.”

On Lautaro Martínez:

“I just saw Lautaro now. We spoke briefly, and I’ll talk more with him later. He’s here, he’ll travel with the team, but he won’t be playing. We had already agreed that he would take these days off — well deserved. He’s still part of the squad, that’s for sure.”

On Ángel Di María’s return to Rosario Central:

“It’s a joy to see him return to Argentine football. He’s a hero to so many people, not just fans of Rosario Central. Having a player of his caliber back is going to be something spectacular. It’s not only good for Argentine football but also for him — for his heart, his soul, to feel a bit more love. I’m very happy.”

Finally, on the potential Finalissima against Spain:

“I don’t know anything about it. We know this year is complicated. Next year? I don’t know — there’s the World Cup. We’ll see what decision the people who actually decide things make — because we don’t have much say. I don’t have any information.”

Argentina’s potential starting XI vs. Chile after Tuesday’s training session

Argentina trained on Tuesday afternoon at the Ezeiza training facility, and while Lionel Scaloni didn’t field a confirmed starting XI, he may have given some hints about who will start Thursday’s match against Chile in Santiago.

In goal, there are no surprises—Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez will start.

In defense, Nicolás Tagliafico, Leonardo Balerdi (who would step in for the suspended Nicolás Otamendi), Cristian “Cuti” Romero, and Nahuel Molina are expected to start.

In midfield—where Scaloni has been hit hardest due to the suspensions of Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, and Nicolás González, along with injuries to Alexis Mac Allister and Giovani Lo Celso—the four midfielders would be: Rodrigo De Paul and Exequiel Palacios in the center, Thiago Almada on the left, and Giuliano Simeone on the right. (There are rumors that the Argentine coach holds Nico Paz in very high regard, and he could earn a spot in the lineup instead of Almada.)

Up front, the attack will feature Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez. (Lautaro Martínez is not fully fit after the Champions League final.)

Schedule for Wednesday, June 4:

  • Lionel Scaloni press conference
  • Evening training session
  • Travel to Santiago, Chile

Real Madrid opens negotiations for Franco Mastantuono of River Plate

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Real Madrid have opened negotiations for River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono, according to a report by journalist Gastón Edul.

PSG’s offer for the 17-year-old Argentine is expected to be put on hold until Real Madrid decide whether to trigger his €45 million release clause or submit a lower bid.

According to Edul, if Real Madrid’s proposal is close to PSG’s, the player’s representatives will prefer a move to the Spanish club.

Facundo Medina close to joining Olympique Marseille

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Facundo Medina is close to joining Olympique Marseille.

Medina could be leaving RC Lens for another team in France. According to TyC Sports, Marseille are closing to assing the Argentine to the team.

The 26 year old joined RC Lens in 2020 from Talleres. He is presently with the Argentina national team for the June World Cup qualifiers.

Four players to miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Chile

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni will be without four players for their World Cup qualifying match against Chile.

Lionel Scaloni will miss four players due to suspension and possibly two due to injuries for Thursday’s game. Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Otamendi will miss Argentina’s match on Thursday due to yellow card suspension.

Nicolás González will receive a two match ban and will miss the match against Chile. Alexis Mac Allister was dropped from the team due to injury and Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt due to injury.

The Argentina national team will play Chile on Thursday, June 5 and on June 10 will play Colombia in Buenos Aires.

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