Lionel Scaloni has confirmed Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final group-stage match after qualification was already secured. The head coach wants to manage his captain's workload while giving other members of the squad an opportunity to impress before the knockout stages.

The fact that Lionel Messi already has five goals at the 2026 World Cup is obviously a great thing for Argentina. The worry, though, is that none of his team-mates have even managed to score one. Admittedly, relying on Messi was always part of the plan. As striking legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports, "Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system."

Lionel Messi's two goals helped Argentina defeat Austria in their Group J match, but Lionel Scaloni was also impressed by his captain's work without the ball. The Albiceleste coach praised Messi's commitment and influence, while warning that the path to defending the World Cup will remain difficult despite their strong start.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has refused to be drawn into a war of words with Carlo Ancelotti after the Brazil boss suggested his team  "don't play high intensity football". Speaking ahead of his side’s World Cup group stage clash against Austria, Scaloni instead chose to frame the Italian's comments as a compliment to his tactical setup.

Lionel Scaloni has emphasized the unity of his Argentina squad as they rally around captain Lionel Messi following a wave of misinformation regarding his family. The Inter Miami superstar has been the subject of shocking false reports during the 2026 World Cup, forcing both the manager and the Messi family to take a public stand.

Thousands of Argentina fans turned Kansas City into a Lionel Messi pilgrimage, with banderazos, late-night parties and unwavering support ahead of the World Cup opener.