More rest for Lionel Messi ahead of FIFA Club World Cup? Good news for Inter Miami as Argentina prepare to experiment & play 'kids'

The Albiceleste have already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup. They will be looking to defend their global crown when the international elite descend on the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Argentina are in the enviable position of being able to rotate heading into more qualification clashes with Chile and Colombia. No risks need to be taken on the likes of Messi, who has been in fine form for club side Inter Miami of late.

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They are readying themselves for Club World Cup duty - with that event getting underway on June 14 - and Messi could be returned to them after seeing his game time carefully managed while away with his country.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni told reporters when asked about Messi's involvement - having seen him sit out the last international break through injury: "I've been talking to him, we're still talking. We've been in contact recently. We haven't decided whether he'll start or not for the match.

"It would be good to know how he's feeling physically. It's clear that today we're in a position to try other things. In principle, he's ready to play, then we'll evaluate. He's coming off a good match last Saturday. In principle, he's ready to play, and we'll decide."

Argentina are missing a number of players due to injury, particularly in midfield, but that is allowing Scaloni to take a look at a few stars of tomorrow. He added: "These things have come at a time when we can accept them because we're not in need of points, but it's an opportunity for the kids to play in their place.

"When there's an open door, you have to take advantage of it because you never know. Those kids will have the chance to play and prove themselves."

Argentina will take in a trip to Chile on Thursday, before then playing host to Colombia on Tuesday. Messi will return to Miami just in time to kick off the Club World Cup against Al Ahly.