"Can play in the same way with or without him" - Scaloni claims Argentina squad can cope well even when Lionel Messi is absent

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has claimed that his side can cope comfortably with Lionel Messi being absent from their squad now. The world champions continued their fine form to start this international window, claiming a 1-0 win over Chile on Friday.

Scaloni named Messi on the bench, allowing Como youngster Nico Paz feature from the start against Chile, only introducing the captain after 57 minutes. Ahead of their second game against Colombia, coach Scaloni pointed out in his press conference that his squad is no longer very reliant on Messi.

"The team is now in a moment where it can play in the same way with Leo [Messi] or without Leo, which used to be more complex in the past as we had to change some players. But now we don't have this necessity and the team works in the same way, that's good."

Lionel Messi's influence has been unmistakable over the years in the Argentina national team setup, with the 37-year-old leading them to silverware in 2021 and 2022. He was injured for a significant amount of time during the 2024 Copa America but La Albiceleste won the tournament, with Lautaro Martinez playing a starring role.

Messi was not in the Argentina squad when they secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and thrashed bitter rivals Brazil earlier this year. The Inter Miami star is expected to leave the national team after the Mundial next year, with the likes of Paz and Franco Mastantuono being touted as the future.

Lionel Messi set to return to Argentina XI for Colombia clash

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to make his return to the starting XI for his country when they host Colombia in Buenos Aires. The former Barcelona superstar started on the bench for La Albiceleste and was a second half substitute in their 1-0 win over Chile last week.

Messi has scored 112 goals in 192 international appearances for Argentina and will get a chance to extend his goals and appearances record against Colombia. Coach Lionel Scaloni revealed in his press conference that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will feature from the start in the Colombia game.

"Tomorrow Leo will start. We hope the fans enjoy him and the team."

Argentina have won their last four games in qualifying and have no pressure heading into the clash against Colombia. Their captain has played 12 times against Colombia in his career, scoring three goals and providing three assists in those games.