Why Lionel Messi may be benched by Argentina for Chicago friendly – with Lionel Scaloni explaining selection plans for Inter Miami superstar ahead of Ecuador clash

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to figure at some stage in a Copa America warm-up fixture, ensuring that those in attendance at Soldier Field in Chicago will get the superstar show that they are after. It is, however, yet to be determined how many minutes Messi will play.

World Cup winners Argentina are understandably keen to manage Messi’s workload heading into their defence of a continental Copa crown in the United States. The 36-year-old has picked up the odd injury at MLS side Inter Miami in 2024, meaning that no risks will be taken on his fitness.

Scaloni has said when asked if he intends to use his talismanic captain against Ecuador: “People will be able to see Messi. He will surely play for a while. We are going to think carefully about the minutes that each one will have to be healthy for the first game. Messi I imagine he will play, I don't know if the whole game, 30 minutes, 60, whatever. But people are going to be able to see him, which is the most important thing.”

Argentina could choose to start with Lautaro Martinez or Julian Alvarez in attack, leaving Messi free to enter the game as a substitute. The Albiceleste have another friendly against Guatemala to come before kicking off their 2024 Copa campaign in a tournament opener against Canada on June 20.