Scaloni On Lionel Messi Ahead of Puerto Rico Clash: 'He Will Probably Be There But...'

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 12:18 IST

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni discusses Messi's fitness ahead of the Puerto Rico game after his standout performance for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi controls the ball during the second half of an MLS game against Atlanta United (Picture credit: AP)

Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has said that he saw Messi play on Saturday, October 11, against Venezuela and although he hasn’t spoken to him since then, he received news that he finished well. Argentina are all set to take on Puerto Rico in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Messi wasn’t named in Argentina’s 23-man team for the friendly game against Venezuela last Saturday despite being called up for this month’s internationals.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Scaloni appeared optimistic about Messi’s participation in the game, emphasising that the skipper’s fitness would determine his involvement.

“Leo Messi finished well on Saturday and wants to be there. I saw him play on Saturday. From what I know, he finished fine, though I have not spoken to him yet. Now we have our final training session before Tuesday’s match and as we always do before the last one, I will talk to him," Scaloni said.

“If he (Messi) is in condition, he will play. He will probably be there, but I cannot confirm how many minutes he will get," Scaloni said.

Messi played his last competitive game in Argentina in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela last month.

Messi appears for Inter Miami

Messi scored twice to spark Inter Miami to a 4-0 win against Atlanta United, seizing the lead in Major League Soccer’s scoring table in a key win for the Florida club on Sunday, October 12.

Messi scored his 25th and 26th goals of the season, moving ahead of Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga in the race for the Golden Boot after beginning the day tied with the Gabon international on 24 goals.

Messi’s 39th-minute strike to open the scoring was a beauty. His compatriot midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez robbed an Atlanta defender and found him just outside the box.

Messi strode forward and curled a left-footed shot around Pedro Amador and out of the reach of Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert in the upper left corner of the net.

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