Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the Argentina national team, announced that he will discuss with Lionel Messi during the final training session before the friendly match against Puerto Rico on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium, to determine if the La Albiceleste captain will take the field.
Messi did not participate in Argentina’s first friendly during the October FIFA window against Venezuela on October 10, opting instead to play for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in a Major League Soccer match on October 11.
The team captain scored two goals and provided one assist in a dominant 4-0 win over Atlanta.
“I watched Messi play on Saturday, and from what I’ve seen, he performed well. I haven’t had a chance to talk with him yet,” Scaloni stated on Monday.
“We have our final training session for tomorrow’s match, and as we typically do, I’ll consult with him. If he feels fit, he will play tomorrow.”
Messi returned to international duty following Saturday’s match, making him eligible for selection.
“Leo’s return creates immense excitement and is expected to foster a fantastic atmosphere for this new international challenge,” Argentina expressed in a statement on Sunday after Messi rejoined the squad.
“The match against Puerto Rico will be an opportunity to prepare for future commitments and allow the coaching staff to refine their strategies.”
In a unique turn of events, Messi received special permission from his national team to play in Miami’s second-to-last MLS match of the regular season, as the team aims to secure a better position in the Eastern Conference for home advantage in the playoffs.
The friendly match against Puerto Rico was initially slated for October 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago but has since been rescheduled for October 14 in Fort Lauderdale.
Argentina will now host the match at Chase Stadium, the home ground of Inter Miami.