Overview
- Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will start against Venezuela at the Monumental, calling the occasion emotional and urging fans to enjoy it.
- Messi has 71 CONMEBOL qualifying appearances, one shy of Iván Hurtado’s record of 72, and he could equal the mark Thursday with the chance to break it if he features again this window.
- TyC Sports reported Messi may be rested for the Sept. 9 trip to Ecuador, with a return to Inter Miami expected after the Venezuela match.
- Argentina have already clinched a 2026 World Cup berth and top the table, while Venezuela sit seventh and are chasing a first-ever finals appearance.
- Alexis Mac Allister will not take part due to a late arrival and Enzo Fernández is suspended, with Scaloni eyeing youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Nico Paz as options; he also questioned the uncertain scheduling of a Finalissima vs Spain.