Scaloni refuses to confirm if Messi will start for Argentina against Paraguay

The Argentina National Team, along with Lionel Messi, continue their preparation for the World Cup qualifier games against Paraguay (Thursday 12 October 2023, KO 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.) and Peru. La Albiceleste will look to continue their perfect record after winning their two games in the previous national team break.

However, a huge cloud of doubt surrounds the side, as it is not yet known whether or not Lionel Messi will be fit to play.

The Inter Miami forward has not played even half a game for his club side since returning from international duty a month ago and his fitness has been a topic of debate, worry and frustration as his club side saw the wheels fall off their ambitious project at the end of the season, ultimately missing out on the MLS postseason.

‘We will speak before to see if he can play or not’

On Wednesday before the tie against Paraguay, Lionel Scaloni spoke at the press conference about the presence of Messi in the side, saying that he still has to talk to the player about his potential place in the team from the beginning of the game.

“We still have a training session to go and it’s important for Leo. We think he looks good and we will speak before to see if he can play from the start or not. From there the team can change, but I have to speak to him and above all it’s important he’s OK, and that we are convinced that he can play from the start. He looked good and from there we’ll see the rest of the team”, explained the manager.

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Argentina’s possible starting XI against Paraguay

Through his quotes to the media, Scaloni has given hope of a starting team with Messi in the XI is a possibility, however, the Inter Miami player’s place in the side is not 100% guaranteed.

TyC Sports have revealed that the possible starting XI of Argentina against Paraguay could be the following: