Argentina to Manage Messi's Return Ahead of World Cup#

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will play in Argentina's upcoming friendly match against Iceland on Tuesday, marking an important step in the team's preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The Argentina manager emphasized that the squad will take a cautious approach to managing the veteran forward's workload, avoiding unnecessary risks as the team builds toward the tournament.

This decision comes as Argentina continues its strategic planning for the World Cup cycle. With Messi still a crucial figure for the national team despite his age, Scaloni is balancing the need to keep him match-fit with the importance of protecting him from injury. The friendly against Iceland provides an ideal opportunity to assess the team's form and cohesion without the pressure of competitive stakes.

Looking ahead, Argentina will likely continue this measured approach throughout the qualifying campaign and beyond. How Messi performs in this match and subsequent games will be closely monitored, as his fitness and form remain central to Argentina's World Cup ambitions. The team's ability to manage its star player effectively while developing depth in the squad will be key to their success in 2026.