&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Football World Cup 2026 | Argentina's Messi to start against Zambia in FIFA friendly")
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the superstar Lionel Messi will start for the country in friendly against Zambia on Tuesday (Mar 31) at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires in Argentina. This could be taken as a sign to Messi's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 which starts Jun 11. Messi, who helped Argentina lift the trophy in last edition, is 38-year-old and was ambiguous about his participation in the quadrennial event until now. Scaloni's comment gives a hope of ray to fans who will be thrilled to see the footballer to take the pitch on the biggest stage of the sport one more time.
Will Messi play in FIFA World Cup 2026?
While the Argentina squad is not finalized yet for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Scaloni said that the time is here to start cutting the extra players and finalized the 26-player roster for the upcoming tournament.
Also Read - Deniz Undav rescues Germany with last-gasp goal in Ghana friendly ahead of FIFA World Cup
"The list of 26 players [for the World Cup], I think we're above the percentage. We have to start discarding options now based on performance. There is no other option," said Scaloni.
Speaking about Messi's participation, Scaloni said: "Yes, I think he'll start from the beginning tomorrow [against Zambia]."
Trending Stories
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
Scaloni had previously said that Messi has not yet confirmed to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 but hoped for the it like the millions of fans across the world.
"The important thing is that he comes and enjoys it. That he enjoy being at the World Cup, which in theory would be the last, but I wouldn't dare to say anything, but that he enjoys it."
What is Argentina's schedule in FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina, winners of 1978, 1986, and 2022, FIFA World Cups, are in Group J along with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. The defending champions start their campaign against Algeria on June 16 before taking Austria on June 22 and finishing off the group stage against Jordan on June 27.
